Peterson Pro Bowl

The Vikings have sent quite a few players to the Pro Bowl over the years.  This year, however, it looks like perhaps they’ll be sending a few more than usual.

According to the Star Tribune, many Vikings players have the lead in the NFC at their respective positions.  The players in the lead are running back Adrian Peterson, fullback Naufahu Tahi, offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie, offensive guard Steve Hutchinson, center John Sullivan, defensive end Jared Allen, defensive tackle Pat Williams, kick returner Percy Harvin, kicker Ryan Longwell and special teams player Heath Farwell.

I have to admit that I am surprised to see Naufahu Tahi, Bryant McKinnie, and John Sullivan anywhere near the top of these lists.  Pro Football Talk suggests in a recent article that Vikings fans stuffing the ballot box is the best explanation for this. (It’s not a bad idea, vote here)

I think it likely has more to do with the success of the Vikings as a whole and the fact that they have received more prime time exposure than perhaps any other team.  After all, you aren’t required to pass a football I.Q. test in order to vote (vote for Vikings players here) at the NFL’s site.  Anybody can do it.

Also near the top of the race is quarterback Brett Favre, defensive tackle Kevin Williams, offensive guard Anthony Herrera, cornerback Antoine Winfield, outside linebacker Chad Greenway and punter Chris Kluwe.  They are all second in the NFC at their respective positions (you can change that by voting here).  I find it interesting that Pat Williams has more votes than Kevin Williams, despite Kevin clearly having the stronger season.

Also, we will probably be seeing another Vikes player added to this list soon enough.  Wide out, Sidney Rice, leads the NFC in receiving yards after last week’s spectacular performance.  For this performance, he was named the NFC’s offensive player of the week.  If you want to see Sidney play in the Pro Bowl then… you… can… vote here.

While we would all love it if no Vikings were playing in the Pro Bowl, since that means they’re playing in the Super Bowl the following week, it is nice to see them get recognized.

Especially if that recognition comes from a national audience, and not from petty, childish ballot stuffing.

Vote Here.