Vikings' Allen defensive MVP in NFL 101 awards

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen garnered at least one defensive player of the year award. Allen was honored as the NFC defensive player of the year in the annual NFL 101 awards after finishing the 2011 season just a half-sack short of the single-season NFL record. Allen, earlier named to the All-Pro team for the fourth time in his career, had 22 sacks, just the third player in NFL history to reach the mark. Allen, named to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time in eight seasons, had 86 tackles, forced four fumbles and led the league with five fumble recoveries. Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs won the defensive award in the AFC. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was named the NFC offensive player of the year, with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady taking the AFC offensive honors. San Francisco 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh won the NFC coach of the year award and Houston Texans coach Gary Kubiak was named the AFC coach of the year. The awards are voted on by a committee of 101 national media members, including sports writers and broadcasters who cover the NFL. Winners will be presented a trophy at the 42nd annual awards ceremony in Kansas City on March 3.