Minnesota Vikings Cordarrelle Patterson named PFWA’s All-NFL team kick returner

Cordarrelle Patterson’s rookie season just keeps getting better. He can now add another accolade to his impressive rookie season. Patterson has been named to the Pro Football Writers Association’s All-NFL and All-NFC teams.

Patterson is also the only Vikings player named to the NFL or NFC teams.

Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs with the ball to score a touchdown during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Patterson was named as a kick returner after he led the NFL in kickoff return average (32.4) and return touchdowns (2). He became the only receiver since the AFL-NFL merger to record three rushing touchdowns in one season. Patterson’s 32.4 yards-per-return is also the second-highest average since 1970.

The dynamic rookie made most of his opportunities, which came mainly in the second half of the season as the Vikings elected to bring him along slowly on offense. Seven of Patterson‘s nine touchdowns came in the final eight games of the season, which helped earn him NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month honors in December to go along with his Pro Bowl addition as a return specialist.

Patterson is also one of five finalists for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year. Fans can vote here.

The PFWA will name their own rookie of the year, offensive rookie of the year and all-rookie team on Tuesday.

Sixteen teams are represented by the 27 players honored in the All-NFL team and Patterson is the only rookie.