Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament: (1) Adrian Peterson vs (2) Jared Allen

This is the first match of the Elite 8 in our Greatest Viking Of All Time Tournament, ladies and gentlemen! This match-up will pit the two men who could easily be argued as the two best current Vikings in a battle to see who advances to the Final Four.

Adrian Peterson

Alma Mater: University of Oklahoma
Acquired by Vikings: Round 1, 2007 NFL Draft
Seasons in Minnesota: 6 (2007-2012)
Position: Running back
How He Got Here: Defeated Ed Sharockman 140-6 in Round 1; Defeated Zygi Wilf 226-3 in Round 2; Defeated Chuck Foreman 204-18 in Round 3

There really aren't a lot of things that can be said about Adrian Peterson that haven't been said already. Through just six seasons as a member of the Vikings, he already leads the team in every significant rushing category with 8,849 career yards (already more than 2,000 yards clear of Robert Smith, who stands in second place) and 76 touchdowns. He's a five-time NFL All-Pro (every year except 2011), a two-time NFL rushing champion, a two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, a former NFL Rookie of the Year, holder of the NFL's single-game rushing record with 296 yards against the Chargers on 5 November 2007, and he's the reigning Most Valuable Player. If he can stay healthy, he truly has a chance to establish himself among the all-time greats at his position, and in the sport overall.

Jared Allen

Alma Mater: Idaho State University (or the Culinary Academy, depending on when you ask)
Acquired by Minnesota: Trade with Kansas City Chiefs before the 2008 NFL Draft
Seasons in Minnesota: 5 (2008-2012)
Position: Defensive end
How He Got Here: Defeated Fred Zamberletti 114-44 in Round 1; Defeated Pat Williams 167-32 in Round 2; Defeated Antoine Winfield 142-109 in Round 3

The centerpiece of a blockbuster trade for the Minnesota Vikings that has really worked out nicely, Jared Allen has been wreaking havoc on quarterbacks ever since he put on the purple and gold. In just five seasons with Minnesota, he has averaged nearly 15 sacks a season (74.5 in five years), including making a run at the single-season sack record for the Vikings' dismal 2011 team. Currently the National Football League's highest-paid defensive player, he may be looking at his last season in Minnesota. If the first five years are any indication, it should be another good one for #69.

If you need a primer on how the voting for our contest works, we have one for you at this link here. Remember, rec the comments to register your vote. Putting "Vote - Name" in the subject line of a post does not count.

If you want to vote for Adrian Peterson, rec the comment that says "Vote - Adrian Peterson"
If you want to vote for Jared Allen, rec the comment that says "Vote - Jared Allen"

Voting is open for 24 hours, just like always, folks. Have at it!