Cordarrelle Patterson: The Pro Bowl “Did Me Wrong”

Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) runs with the ball to score a touchdown during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

When Cordarrelle Patterson was added to the 2014 Pro Bowl, Vikings fans were hoping that they’d get to see him playing on the offensive side of the ball.  He was listed as the “return specialist” for Team Sanders on the official roster.  Instead, Patterson was regulated to special teams where he acted as a gunner and punt returner, since there were no kickoffs in the game.  He ended the game with 2 punt returns for one yard and zero tackles.

Patterson spoke with Mike Wobschall after the team’s optional workouts on Monday, and here’s what he had to say about the experience:

"Dec 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) stands along the sidelines as the defense plays the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings win 14-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports“The Pro Bowl, man. They did me wrong, man. They used me as gunner. I never did gunner in my life. And they took the kickoff return out of the game and I consider myself one of the best kickoff returners out there, you know. A lot of guys on the list, too.  But they can’t do that to a guy like me.  They played me.  And I hope next year I get there and I hope they use me a little more.”"

Should the Pro Bowl nod of Patterson be considered an honor even if he was horribly misused?  Or is it something that he should appreciate even if they didn’t quite fit him into the festivities?  What do you think?