Adrian Peterson was voted as the Associated Press' NFL Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year.

Just one year removed from ACL surgery, Peterson played in all 16 games this season and was essentially the Vikings' entire offense while leading them to the playoffs for the first time since 2009. He tied Earl Campbell with seven games of 150-plus yards and his 2,097 yards on the season are the second-most in NFL history behind Eric Dickerson. Also receiving votes for the award were Peyton Manning (8), Tom Brady (2), Aaron Rodgers (2), and Calvin Johnson (2). Manning, however, edged out Peterson for Comeback Player of the Year.

Adrian Peterson credited genetics for his amazing recovery from a December 2011 ACL tear.

Not only did Peterson's ACL completely heal in eight months, but he ran for 2,097 yards on 348 carries while playing in all 16 games this season. "Look at my dad. And my mom's side, my aunts and uncles, they're all ripped. At 50 years old, they've got six packs and eight packs," Peterson said. "My body just heals differently. I know it has a lot to do with rehabilitation and work ethic -- but I really credit my genetics for my recovery as much as anything else." Fantasy owners expecting all players coming off ACL tears to burst back onto the scene like Peterson did are asking for trouble. He's a unique exception to the normal laws of medicine.

Adrian Peterson was a unanimous selection to the 2012 Associated Press All-Pro first team.

Peterson and J.J. Watt were the only two unanimous selections, while Calvin Johnson was snubbed and received 49-of-50 first team votes. Of course, we all know by now that Peterson is from another planet and ran for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns this past season after shredding his knee in Week 16 of 2011 on the Redskins' now infamous playing surface. Peterson's teammate Blair Walsh was named to the first team at kicker and was the only rookie selected.

Adrian Peterson said he will participate in the Pro Bowl.

Just over one year removed from an ACL tear, conventional wisdom would have Peterson sit out a meaningless All-Star game after racking up a career-high 388 touches. Peterson, however, is not from the planet earth. "It's fun for the fans, but you've still got to be smart. Me personally, I don't care how anyone else approaches. I'm going to play hard," he said. We can consider Peterson's knee 100 percent heading into the offseason.

Adrian Peterson was limited to 99 yards on 22 carries and one reception for eight yards in the Vikings' Wild Card Round loss to Green Bay.

Peterson had 31 yards on six carries on Minnesota's first possession. He was bottled up for 68 yards on 16 carries (4.25 YPC) the rest of the way as Green Bay sealed off the edges of the Vikings' run game. The relatively mediocre final game can't take away from a regular season that should earn Peterson 2012 MVP honors. Turning 28 in March, Peterson was actually more elusive and laterally explosive coming off his 2011 knee reconstruction. Peterson should be the No. 1 overall pick in all 2013 fantasy drafts.

NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell believes Adrian Peterson is coming off "the greatest individual offensive season in NFL history, given that he had reconstructive knee surgery last Dec. 30."

"I've been doing this a long time," said Cosell, who has been breaking down tape for 30 years. "I'm usually not wowed when I watch stuff. I'm wowed when I watch him." Peterson almost certainly would have broken Eric Dickerson's single-season record had he not sat out Week 16 garbage time to rest his abdomen/groin. If he wants to dethrone Dickerson, he can do it by breaking the Hall of Famer's post-season single-game record of 248 yards.

Adrian Peterson (abdomen, groin) returned to practice Thursday, as expected.

Peterson has been dealing with soreness in his core for a few weeks now, but it certainly hasn't affected his play. He got just one practice in last week before toting the rock 34 times for 199 yards and a touchdown in the playoff-clinching win over the Packers. The Vikings hope to give him a similar workload in Saturday night's Wild Card game at Lambeau.

Adrian Peterson said he wants to contribute on special teams.

"I'm in it to win," said Peterson. He has been asking special teams coach Mike Priefer if he can line up as a kickoff returner or on the field goal block unit. Peterson did return 16 kickoffs as a rookie in 2007, averaging 25.8 yards per attempt. But these days, head coach Leslie Frazier won't even entertain the idea of putting the league's leading MVP candidate in harm's way unnecessarily.

Adrian Peterson (abdomen, groin) remained out of Vikings practice on Thursday.

Lest you think AD is in danger of missing Saturday's Wild Card game, he said Wednesday he could "play for 12 more games if I had to." Peterson is ready to rock against a Packers team he destroyed for 409 yards rushing and three total touchdowns in two regular season meetings.

Adrian Peterson (abdomen, groin) was held out of practice on Tuesday.

It's become routine for Peterson to pick up extra rest during early-week practices. After carrying the ball a career-high 34 times while lifting the Vikings into the playoffs, he deserves Tuesday's off day. Peterson is in no danger of missing Saturday's game in Green Bay, where the temperatures are expected to be in the teens.