FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -- Vikings rookie Percy Harvin won another award Thursday when it was announced that he was the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year.

"Oh, man, it's a tremendous honor," Harvin said by phone as he drove down here from Jacksonville. "Just to be mentioned along with all the past winners like AP [Adrian Peterson] and Randy Moss and a lot of those guys in the past. It makes my season all the better knowing that all the hard work and effort I put in helped me win this award."

Harvin was supposed to accept the award during a press conference at the Super Bowl media center today, but couldn't make it. He said there was a problem with his flight from Jacksonville, so he decided to drive. He's due to arrive this evening and it's possible an awards presentation will take place today.

Harvin is the second Viking in three seasons to win the award. Peterson won it in 2007.

More than 1.5 million fans voted on NFL.com, a record total. The other members of the top five in voting was Bills safety Jairus Byrd and Ravens offensive tackle Michael Oher.

Harvin totaled 2,081 combined yards, a Vikings' single-season record.

Harvin said he'll stay in South Florida through Sunday. He said that won't be easy considering the Vikings came within a win of playing in Super Bowl XLIV.

"It's a pill that's going to take a long time to swallow," Harvin said. "My goal coming into this year wasn't to win all these individual awards. It was to be playing on this Sunday. We came so close to doing it. But at the same time, these two teams deserve to be here. I'll watch the game and enjoy it."