One of the best seasons by a running back in NFL history has earned Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson offensive player of the year honors.
Peterson earned the award with 36 of 50 votes by an Associated Press panel of NFL writers.
Peterson finished the season with 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns, just eight yards shy of Eric Dickerson’s all-time single-season rushing record. Peterson managed to do so just eight months removed from a torn ACL.
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.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning finished second with eight votes. New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson each received two votes.