Sporting News Magazine named New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady sportsman of the year, for the second time in four seasons. Brady came ahead of his competitors in seven of the nine categories in the league rankings. His statistics count 503 attempts, 348 completions, 62.9 completion percentage, 4,235 passing yards, 8.42 passing yards/attempts, 302.5 passing yards/game, 45 touchdown passes, 119.7 passer rating and 210 passes for first downs.

Among his other competitors, Sporting News named Peyton Manning, Brett Favre (who has already been chosen sportsman of the year by Sports Illustrated), Matt Holliday, Joakim Noah and Darren McFadden, the last two still in college. Patriots quarterback led his team to a 14-0 record and is heading for a new record with the Patriots: becoming the first team to finish a regular season undefeated since 1972, when Miami accomplished the same thing.

“Tom Brady has given us one of the greatest seasons in NFL history. You can’t help but admire what he has accomplished – even if much of the NFL world has suddenly turned anti-Patriots,” said John Rawlings, senior vice president and editorial director of Sporting News. The December 24th issue, on sale December 19th, features details of the award and the other candidates.

“He doesn’t like the limelight. He’s a great guy. He’s humble. He works hard. He’s quick to say his success comes from these guys. Even though a lot of it has to do with him, he’s not selfish. At all,” said Browns linebacker Willie McGinest.

“He is a nicer and better human being than people see or imagine. He’s a great leader, and everybody respects him. I would say every woman in New England between the ages of 2 and 80 is nice to me so they can meet him,” said Robert Kraft, Patriots owner (Sporting News).