Hundreds of NFL players were asked by ESPN whom they would most want to see play in the Super Bowl. Leading the responses: Viking star running back Adrian Peterson.

Peterson and the Vikings came close in January 2010, but Minnesota "gave that one away" to the New Orleans Saints in the NFC title game, Peterson told the sports network while learning about the survey's results.

In the anonymous survey of more than 320 players, Peterson claimed 18 percent of the total with 59 votes, three more than newly retired Atlanta Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez. At least one vote was received by 88 players, the network said Wednesday.

"It feels good," Peterson said. "I guess guys are able to see the passion that I play with, the desire I play with, and they respect it enough to make that type of statement. It says a lot, and it means a lot."

Recalling the team's loss to the Saints, in which Peterson lost a handoff, Brett Favre threw a late-game interception and a penalty for too many players on the field couldn't have come at a worse time, the MVP running back said, "We gave that one away. We gave a championship away. The NFC Championship Game was pretty much the Super Bowl that year."

Asked whether he is looking to find a spot on a more competitive team, Peterson told the network, "I've always said I would love to finish here, with the Vikings, so I'll just stick with that."

Paul Walsh • 612-673-4482