Former NFL superstars Adrian Peterson, Le’Veon Bell in talks for boxing match

According to TMZ Sports, former NFL running backs Adrian Peterson and Le’Veon Bell are in talks to compete in a boxing match at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Earlier this month, former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell was announced to be making his boxing debut by YouTube star Austin McBroom. But at the time, an opponent has not been revealed.

According to TMZ Sports, ex-Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson is in talks to be Bell’s opponent at the boxing event on July 30 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif.

Both running backs are currently free agents after suiting up for two different teams each this past season.

Adrian Peterson in talks to face Le’Veon Bell in a boxing match

Peterson made a name for himself during the start of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, where he made the Pro Bowl seven times and the First Team All-Pro four times. He won the Offensive Player of the Year award and the Most Valuable Player award in 2012. Additionally, he led the league in rushing three times (2008, 2012, and 2015).

Through his career, Peterson rushed for 14,918 yards and 190 touchdowns on 3,230 carries during his time between the Vikings, New Orleans Saints (2017), Arizona Cardinals (2017), the now-Washington Commanders (2018-19), Detroit Lions (2020), Tennessee Titans (2021) and Seattle Seahawks (2021).

During his time with the Steelers, Bell had two First Team All-Pro, two Second Team All-Pro and three Pro Bowl appearances to his credit. He did not play for the team in 2018, holding out and eventually signing a deal with the New York Jets the following season. He would then play for Kansas City Chiefs (2020), Baltimore Ravens (2021) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021).

Bell accumulated 6,554 rushing yards and 42 rushing touchdowns on 1,595 carries and caught 399 passes for 3,289 yards and nine touchdowns on 502 carries.

Will Bell vs. Peterson actually happen? We will find out soon enough.

UDPATE: According to ESPN’s Mike Coppinger, Peterson and Bell have signed contracts for their heavyweight boxing exhibition.