Consider it another instance of game recognizing game.
Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson was named Sporting News Rookie of the Year, and running back Dalvin Cook was named to the outlet's All-Pro Team on Thursday.
The honors were bestowed through a vote by NFL players, the same group that helped Jefferson and Cook earn 2021 Pro Bowl honors (fans and coaches also vote for the all-star game).
The most recent awards add to the growing list for Jefferson, who along with Vikings cornerback Cameron Dantzler, was named Tuesday to the PFWA’s All-Rookie Team, and Cook, who garnered All-NFL and All-NFC honors from the PFWA on Monday.
Jefferson set the NFL rookie record with 1,400 receiving yards and broke Randy Moss' franchise record for catches by a rookie. Seven of Jefferson's 88 receptions were touchdowns. He recorded seven 100-yard games, setting another record for a Vikings rookie and tying Odell Beckham, Jr., for the most such performances in the Super Bowl era.
Cook set career highs for rushes (312), rushing yards (1,557), rushing touchdowns (16), yards per rush (5.0), rush yards per game (111.2) and scrimmage yards (1,918) despite missing a game-and-a-half with a groin injury and Minnesota's 2020 finale while he grieved the unexpected death of his father.
The 2021 Pro Bowl game will not be held because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but there are virtual interactive events scheduled for next week.
In the meantime, don't forget to vote for Jefferson for the Pepsi Zero Sugar NFL Rookie of the Year and for Cook as the FedEx Ground Player of the Year.
