Apr 23, 2022; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma Sooners former player Adrian Peterson. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports.
It’s official.
Former Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson will face ex-Pittsburgh Steeler Le’Veon Bell in a boxing match on July 30th in Los Angeles.
Peterson and Bell are both free agents as far as football is concerned.
But the two will exchange punches in a little over a month at Crypto.com Arena, the home of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers. According to BetOnline.ag, Peterson is considered the underdog for the bout. These are the official early odds for the fight:
Le’Veon Bell vs. Adrian Peterson
Le’Veon Bell -180 (5/9)
Adrian Peterson +140 (7/5)
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Neither man has professional boxing experience, but both have combined for 27,235 yards from scrimmage and 177 touchdowns in their NFL careers. Peterson was at the peak of his powers from 2007 to 2013, leading the NFL in rushing during the timeframe and winning an MVP in the 2012 season. The ex-Viking also led the NFL in rushing in 2015, the year after a near-season-long suspension.
Bell’s superstar reign was shorter, spanning from 2013 to 2017 with the Steelers. In 2018, Bell didn’t play because of a contractual dispute and never really caught on again from 2019 to present. He’s played for four teams in three seasons after sitting out in 2018, tallying just nine touchdowns since departing Pittsburgh.
The fight between Peterson and Bell is officially listed as an “exhibition” and hence won’t be classified as a professional fight. Former NBAer Nick Young will also fight at the “Social Gloves 2” event, taking on rapper Blueface.
Last month, running back Frank Gore entered the boxing fray and knocked out his opponent in Round 4. Gore played in the NFL for 16 seasons.
Peterson is the last non-quarterback to win the NFL MVP award. He plans to retire with the Vikings when the time comes, albeit likely on a one-day contract.
Bell, 30, is younger than Peterson by seven years — probably why he’s favored to defeat Peterson.
Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. He hosts a podcast with Bryant McKinnie, which airs every Wednesday with Raun Sawh and Sally from Minneapolis. His Viking fandom dates back to 1996. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ and The Doors (the band).
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