2012 is "The Year of Adrian Peterson," says new Sports Illustrated cover [IMAGE]

Put simply, Adrian Peterson's comeback has been one of the year's best sports stories. In the span of 10 months, AP went from spending New Year's Eve in a hospital bed following knee surgery to slapping little kids in the face after ridiculous TD runs.

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AP's feel-good story is recognized on the cover of the new Sports Illustrated, which proclaims 2012 to be "The Year of Adrian Peterson."

Here's the full cover image (click to enlarge):

Just imagine if AP continues the tear he's been on since October 21, puts up the 294 yards he needs to pass Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing yard and carries the Vikings to the playoffs during their final two games. Then Purple fans would be able to say they witnessed arguably the most remarkable season-long individual performance in the history of sports.

Source: http://blogs.citypages.com/blotter/2012/12/2012_is_the_year_of_adrian_peterson_says_new_sports_illustrated_cover_image.php

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