Could Adrian Peterson's dream season have ended any other way.

Sure, Hollywood could have scripted a Super Bowl ending. But in the real world upon which Peterson's cleats plant then alight, a rookie rushing record (1,341 yards), a near-unanimous selection for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and, as of yesterday, a Pro Bowl MVP award are the stuff of dreams come true.

Even if the dreamer is more concerned with W's than resume jewels.

"I just wanted to come out and contribute," said Peterson, who stole the spotlight from NFC teammates Terrell Owens and his Dallas quarterback Tony Romo with 129 yards on 16 carries and two touchdowns.

"First and foremost, I wanted to win the game, which we did," Peterson said. "My second goal was I wanted to win the MVP, and I was able to do that."

Peterson was hard to ignore yesterday. On the NFC's first series, he broke free for a 15-yard run then caught a 9-yard pass from Romo to set up the ensuing 6-yard touchdown hookup from Romo to Arizona's Larry Fitzgerald.

Just before halftime, with his team trailing, 27-14, Peterson exploded for 39 yards to get the ball into AFC territory. That sparked a six-play, 77-yard touchdown drive that cut the deficit to 27-21.

And Peterson was just getting warmed up.

Early in the second half, Peterson took a handoff from Seattle quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and flew down the left sideline, squeezing his 6-foot-1, 217-pound frame between the line and his pursuers.

"I got real skinny on the sideline," he said, laughing. "I stayed inbounds and just walked it up the sidelines."

The touchdown gave the NFC its first lead, 28-27, with 9:49 left in the period.

The NFC would ride Peterson, the Eagles' Brian Westbrook and the Cowboys' Marion Barber down the stretch to advance the ball while burning the clock.

"At the running back position, we're the ones who keep the drives going," Peterson said. "We try to create big plays and get big runs."

With less than three minutes left in the game, with the NFC ahead 35-30, Peterson broke right for a 6-yard touchdown run, essentially sealing the game at 42-30.

"He's got great feel with the ball in his hands," said Colts quarterback Peyton Manning. "He just finds a way to get into that end zone."

Peterson's NFC teammate Jeff Garcia, quarterback of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, was just happy to be playing with, and not against, Peterson.

"He's one of those guys who I think everyone out here on this field wishes was on their team during the regular season," Garcia said. "He's an outstanding running back and he has such a bright future ahead of him. Already he's pretty much a man-child in this league.

"It's very rare that a player comes on the scene and dominates like he's capable of dominating," Garcia continued. "He showed today why he's one of those guys people are not going to look forward to seeing on a weekly basis."

Peterson credited his religious faith and the commitment of his coaches to his development for his success in 2007. Still, he acknowledged that he has a lot of work ahead of him to become the 2,000-yard performer he hopes to be next year.

"I just have to stay humble, give God his time, and work hard," he said.

Reach Michael Tsai at mtsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.