Scott Halleran/Getty Images(NEW ORLEANS) -- Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson won the 2012 NFL Most Valuable Player Award Saturday night in New Orleans.

Peterson, who had major knee surgery a little over a year ago, rushed for 2,097 yards, nine yards shy of Eric Dickerson's single season record. Peterson also had 12 rushing touchdowns and 40 receptions.

Peterson received 30 1/2 votes from a panel of 50 media members to win his first MVP. The other 19/12 votes went to Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning who was looking to win his fifth MVP.

Not only did Peterson have an amazing indivdual season, but his team did well too. The Vikings finished the season with a 10-6 record after winning only three games in 2011.

Peterson becomes the first running back since Ladanian Tomlinson in 2006, to win the MVP.

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