Peterson, Manning Share Comeback Player Honor

The FansidedNFL award results have been released, and the Comeback Player Of  The Year is both Peyton Manning and Adrian Peterson. Both of these players had amazing years and amazing stories.

Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Peyton missed all of 2011 after multiple neck surgeries, and then led the Denver Broncos to the #1 seed in the AFC, amassing some great stats in the process.

Peterson suffered a major ACL injury last December, and injury that usually takes a year before the player can get back to full strength. He returned for week 1 of this season, and ended up just 9 yards short of the single season rushing record, leading the Vikings to the playoffs as a wild card team.

The voting came out exactly even, with 1 voter choosing to split his vote between the 2. No other player received votes for his award.

My vote was was Manning. I know that wont be a popular choice, as it seems that the public opinion leans heavily towards Peterson for this award. Both players were deserving, but I voting for Manning because of the spirit of what this award is supposed to be about.

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) rushes against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at the Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The award is meant to be given to a player was had been out of the league for some time, whether because of injury to other reasons, and then returned and made a positive impact on his team. Manning missed then entire 2011 season, and then came back and was among the best in the league. Peterson only missed the last couple games in 2011. It’s was tough for me to say that he had been out of the league long enough to qualify.

Ya, it’s splitting hairs a bit. I’ll admit that. but for e it was the only way to decide beween 2 deserving candidates.