Pro Bowl MVP
Opinion by Dave Stefano
VikingsValhalla.com

Like the greatest of all fishing stories that are told up in the land of many lakes, this starts with a catch of legendary proportions.  Sliding down to #7 in the draft, the Minnesota Vikings have hooked themselves a keeper, and one that everyone could see on display yesterday at the Pro Bowl.  We witnessed another amazing on field performance by our young rookie and future leader, Adrian Peterson.  Scampering 129 yards, with two touchdowns and propelling the NFC to a 42 – 32 comeback victory over the AFC.  But it was his actions both on and off the field that he has proved once again to handle himself with class and dignity that far exceeds his years. 

On the field, the man that likes to be called “All Day”, the nickname he earned as an infant due to having energy all day, was just that.  Yes, he started the game and played for most of it, being relieved for a couple series by Brian Westbrook, but it was the endless 8 yards a carry when the passes were dropped that kept the NFC moving.  Then once Terrell Owens and the rest of the NFC’s batch of receivers started to receive like they are supposed to, the NFC down 24 – 7 early started their comeback.

AD’s longest carry of the day was a 39 yarder that had the boys in the booth marveling how within just two strides, Peterson was at full speed.  Full speed and eluding tackles by the best linebackers and defensive backs in the business. 

His performance earned AD the Pro Bowl MVP.  He had the second largest rushing yard total in the history of the game at 129 [throw in a 9 yard reception on top of that for a bonus].  Plus, he was the only the second rookie ever to win the MVP.  He only followed future Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk’s 180 yard rookie MVP performance of 1995.

“Good company,” Peterson acknowledged. “We didn’t get into the playoffs, so for me to come here and do this at the Pro Bowl means a lot. I came with a goal: win the game and be MVP.”

Already, Adrian Peterson has his sights set on 2000 yards in 2008, and barring injury [or possible curse - Cookie's or Madden], I’m starting to believe him.  Two of his goals for 2007 were to win Rookie of the Year and to make the Pro Bowl… Done.  2000 yards next year… I can’t wait!

AD’s off field performance has been just as inspiring as MVP on field heroics.  While accepting his Most Valuable Player award, Peterson said to Brian Baldinger of FOX and all who would listen, “The true MVP is Sean Taylor.  This is also in honor of him and dedicated to him.”  [Taylor died in November, and all of his former Redskins teammates wore No. 21 in his honor on Sunday.]  Folks, that is a classy act of respect and very much welcomed in this day and age of “I love me some me”.

But there was another selfless act by Adrian Peterson and a few of his teammates that went virtually unnoticed this week. 

I had read this post on ESPN's Minnesota Vikings message board and was floored. This is by a med student from Boston, out in Honolulu doing his residency.

By AlwaysSunnyInBoston
“ I'm working at a pediatrics oncology (read: cancer) floor in Honolulu right now.  Every year, it's a tradition for Pro Bowlers to come visit the kids.  This year, only four of them came, and every single one of them was from the Vikings.  Adrian Peterson, Tony Richardson, Kevin Williams, and Pat Williams all took time out of their day to make the trip.  It really brightened the days of the kids here, especially one 14 year old who lives for football, but can't play because he has leukemia.  He nearly fainted when he saw Adrian Peterson walking down the hall.  Anyhow, I just wanted to say that as long as they're not playing the Pats, I'll be rooting for the Vikings next year.  Not a single player from another team made it, and four of them from your team made it.  It was really impressive and very much appreciated by both the kids and the staff.”

Not only Adrian, but Tony, Kevin and Pat earn kudos and good karma for that.  That is leadership by example, and that can be built upon in Minnesota for years to come. 

So as we move into free agency, what receivers out there want to take advantage of 8 or more players in the box stacked against Adrian?  Which of you are good enough to pull that guy out of the box?  Who among you wish to be apart of an offense that may include a running back that could be the greatest to ever play the game?  Who, like the famous triplets in Dallas years ago wants to make history?  Class and talent are again awaiting you at the home of the Minnesota Vikings. 

Adrian Peterson has warmed this old Viking’s heart in more ways than one.  He even made and old Bear’s fan I know smile, one that used to wear the same old number 28.  This isn’t just a fish story, it is the real things that legends are built.