No longer Blue

By now endless columns and commentaries have been written hashing out the year in sports, 2007 style. It was another year to remember. From a historic Super Bowl to scandals (NBA referee Tim Donaghy, Tour de France, MLB Mitchell findings), legal troubles of Michael Vick, and fans watching helplessly as a hallow record was tarnished; the year was filled with drama.

However, 2007 was also a year for the little sports. Between racket dominance on Centre Court, an arrogant golfer running his mouth (sorry Rory), a surprising U.S. upset on the world stage and more Americans paid attention to football...I mean soccer than ever. This year certainly ran the gamut.

Rather than rambling on about some profound thoughts about 2007, the year of Blue (and Orange) is coming to close, thank goodness. To celebrate turning a new leaf here are the Most Surprising Athletes of 2007 picked by the FPS staff of one. In no particular order…

RB Adrian Peterson Minnesota – Quietly became an NFL athlete getting passed over by six teams when he was selected seventh overall. Peterson had those other teams shaking their heads throughout his electrifying year. On the field, Peterson set the NFL single-game rushing record (296 yards) and finished second in the NFC with 1,341 yards.

P Fausto Carmona Cleveland – Carmona came out of the shadows, helping the Indians win the AL Central. In 2006, the flamethrower went 1-10 with a 5.42 ERA. One year later, Carmona was a Cy Young contender finishing with a 19-8 record, 3.01 ERA with two complete games.

SG Brandon Roy Portland – The most complete player in the 2006 NBA Draft wasn’t taken until the sixth pick. After a Draft night trade shipped Roy to Portland, the guard wasted no time becoming Rookie of Year and has the Blazers poised for great 2008.

QB Dennis Dixon Oregon – Dixon entered the season under a microscope after playing baseball over the summer. Aside from running a fake Statue of Liberty play, Dixon guided the Ducks and their potent offense (averaging 42.3 ppg) to No. 2 spot in the BCS. Dixon’s true value was only realized after his season ending injury; the Ducks averaged two touchdowns less a game.

SS Troy Tulowitzki Colorado – It’s hard to believe Tulowitzki didn’t win Rookie of Year honors. The shortstop and defensive stalwart was instrumental during the Rockies charge to the World Series. On the season Tulowitzki hit .291 with 24 home runs and 99 RBIs with 11 errors in 155 games.

C Dwight Howard Orlando – Howard has come into his own in his third year as a profession. Howard is a ferocious dunker and his dominating the paint averaging a double-double. People knew he’d be good, but Howard has matured quickly and could easily become great.

M David Beckham LA Galaxy – It was really surprising that Beckham actually came to America. Unfortunately, Alexi Lalas bilked fans into thinking the star was a goal scorer. MLS games were sold out everywhere Beckham went and when the midfielder played he did what he does best, set up his teammates.