FULTONDALE, Ala. -- David Palmer, a star on Alabama's 1992 national championship team and a Minnesota Vikings player for seven seasons, has been arrested on misdemeanor drug charges.

Fultondale Police Chief Byron Pigg said Palmer was arrested Thursday when police went to serve a warrant at an apartment where they suspected drugs were being sold.

Pigg said police were watching the apartment when Palmer, 30, and another man, Zimmelus Mark Tice Lewis, 31, came out and got into a 2003 Jaguar, believed to belong to Palmer. He said the two men were arrested minutes later when the car was stopped at a road block, but Lewis managed to get away from police and escape into nearby woods.

Palmer did not attempt to escape and followed instructions of officers, Pigg said. Palmer was charged with possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor, and was released Thursday from the Fultondale Jail after he posted $500 bond. Fultondale is a suburban town about five miles north of Birmingham.

Pigg said a felony possession of dangerous drugs charge has been filed against Lewis, who has not been apprehended. He said Lewis would also be charged with escape.

Pigg said the drugs were found during a search of the apartment.

Palmer was a multipurpose player at Alabama, where he was a star receiver, running back and spot-duty quarterback and was part of the Crimson Tide's 1992 national championship team. He was a first-team All-American and Heisman Trophy finalist in 1993.

He was the second-round draft choice of the Vikings in 1994 and played in Minnesota through the 2000 season as a kick returner, receiver and running back.

In 1990, Palmer was "Mr. Football'' in Alabama after a standout career at Jackson-Olin High School in Birmingham.

He now lives in the Birmingham suburb of Hoover.