The Star Tribune has picked Vikings star running back Adrian Peterson as its Sportsperson of the Year winner — or as they say, it’s “runaway winner.”
The Star Tribune revealed the honor online Saturday night. The publication gives a detailed profile of Peterson, from a childhood tragedy to his devastating knee injury on Dec. 24, 2011, and his rehabilitation to his remarkable comeback this season.
Coming off his 212-yard rushing day against the St. Louis Rams last week, Peterson needs to rush 294 yards in his last two games to break Eric Dickerson’s single season rushing record.
Peterson already holds the NFL’s single game rushing record of 296 yards, which he set in 2007.
Also at stake is the league’s Comeback Player and Most Valuable Player Award. And while Peterson has discussed the possibilities — especially MVP — he concluded in the Sportsman of the Year article that in a way, he’s already won.
“Whether I get the MVP or not, I’m a winner,” Peterson told he paper. “Just look at my story. I don’t really feel like I have to say much.”
See NFL.com’s week-by-week breakdown of Peterson’s season here.
The Star Tribune’s Sportsperson of the Year honor began in 1998, starting with then-Viking quarterback Randall Cunningham. Last year’s winner was Lynx star Seimone Augustus.
