Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson has been named as the NFL’s most valuable player.
Peterson earned the MVP award over Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning after receiving 30.5 of the 50 votes by an Associated Press panel of NFL writers. Manning was the only other player to receive votes with 19.5.
Peterson had one of the more remarkable seasons in NFL history. Just eight months after tearing his ACL in a game last December, Peterson managed to put together one of the best seasons ever by a running back. Peterson rushed for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns and came just eight yards shy of Eric Dickerson’s single-season rushing record.
Peterson started all 16 games for the Vikings and helped carry them to a postseason berth. Minnesota finished the season 10-6 after winning just three games in 2011. Peterson ran for 150 yards or more in a game seven times this season. Peterson also caught 40 passes for 217 yards and a touchdown.
Peterson also earned the offensive player of the year award Saturday night. Peterson is the third Vikings player to win the MVP award joining quarterback defensive tackle Alan Page (1971) and quarterback Fran Tarkenton (1975).