NFC North: Gio Bernard


The kick returner claimed the spot on the Associated Press' All-Pro team after posting the second-highest kickoff return average since the NFL-AFL merger and becoming the only return man to run back two kickoffs for touchdowns. He was the only rookie named to the top All-Pro team.

Patterson probably would have gone to the Pro Bowl when rosters were announced if the game hadn't curtailed kickoffs, but he'll play in it anyway as an injury replacement for Steelers punt returner Antonio Brown, the Vikings announced Friday morning.

That Patterson is getting so much attention in the early returns of postseason awards might reflect his strong chances to win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, though the fact that he did his best work on special teams might make it difficult for him to win the award over someone like San Diego's Keenan Allen, Green Bay's Eddie Lacy or Cincinnati's Gio Bernard. But Patterson's versatility certainly has brought him plenty of recognition.

Running back Adrian Peterson was the Vikings' only other All-Pro selection, landing on the second team with Lacy. The Packers and Detroit Lions also had two All-Pros apiece, while the Chicago Bears had none.