A Fantasy Champion's Ode To Adrian Peterson

Adrian,

When I drafted you with the number one overall pick in my fantasy football draft over three months ago, I did so knowing I was drafting the best player in football—fantasy or reality.

Though I must admit, I couldn't have cared less about how well the Vikings did as long as you led me to a championship.

And you didn't disappoint.

Your pretend teammates Tony Romo, DeSean Jackson, and (newly acquired) Jerome Harrison turned in admirable performances in the most important game of the season.

The same couldn't be said for your theoretical partner in the backfield, Brandon Jacobs.

After Jacobs laid a goose egg against Carolina, it was up to you, Adrian, to make up a 20 point deficit as the only player left in the championship matchup left to play.

On Monday Night Football.

As if the circumstances weren't daunting enough, my opponent had kicked off the championship match with a 26-point performance by Chris Johnson the previous Friday. 

But you never blinked.

Sure, you lost a fumble. But after racking up 137 total yards and two touchdowns, it didn't matter.

Your 23 fantasy points were two more than I needed to capture a title.

Yes Adrian, with your teammates struggling, and a championship on the line, you fulfilled your status as the number one overall pick in fantasy football.

As long as I've played fantasy football, I've never had the chance to draft the likes of a LaDainian Tomlinson in his prime.

That is to say I've never had the first overall pick during LT's tenure as THE fantasy stud.

With LT's light growing dimmer as yours continues to burn brighter, I was blessed this year with the chance to pick a player that I might never have on my fantasy roster ever again.

Move over LT. That's you now, Adrian.

With the option of trading down before the draft looming over my head, I denied the request and embraced the challenge that owning the first pick presented.

Knowing that you, Adrian, were going to be that selection made the decision that much easier.

Adrian, you were everything I could have dreamed the consensus number one overall fantasy pick could have been. 

Whatever the rest of my team's shortcomings may have been (most notably the tight end position), you more than made up for it.

And it couldn't have been more evident than in the final and most important game of my fantasy season.

Thank you, Adrian, for making the first pick in the draft worth it.

Thank you for a fantasy championship that you worked tirelessly to help me procure, even if you had absolutely no idea that you were doing it.

Who am I kidding? You totally had no idea.

But thanks just the same, Adrian. I hope I'm lucky enough to have you on my squad again next year.