Aaron Rodgers + Adrian Peterson Among Top 100 Most Powerful Athletes

Topping the list at number one overall is Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints, following a pretty amazing 2011 season that some would say ended prematurely at the hands of the 49ers in the playoffs a couple weeks ago. Brees smashed a few records and was named AP Male Athlete of the Year for 2011. Brees appeared on last year's list at number 7.

Aaron Rodgers comes in at number 2 overall, which really shouldn't surprise anyone who follows football (unless you want to make a case for him at number 1 overall). Rodgers led the Packers to a 15-1 record, and had their dreams of a Super Bowl repeat dismantled by a determined New York Giants defense. Rodgers didn't even appear on last year's top 100. The jump straight to number 2 showing how much of an impact last year's playoffs and this season had on his influence in the sports world.

Because I know you're curious, Tom Brady rounds out the top 3. He advances from number 5 last year after another season of making previously-unknown names like Rob Gronkowski familiar.

Vikings running back Adrian Peterson appears at number 27, falling from 26 on last year's list. The writing team for Bloomberg admit Peterson has had a tough couple of years - along with the rest of the team. This is the first season Peterson rushed for less than 1,000 yards in his NFL career, which was solidified by a pair of injuries that now leave in question whether or not he will start the beginning of the 2012 season.

Charles Woodson, one of the keys to the Packers defense, appears at number 47 after being unranked the year before. Continued Pro Bowl-worthy performances and last year's Super Bowl victory helped Woodson make this year's list.

Defensive lineman Jared Allen appears at number 61 after an impressive season that was one of the few highlights for an otherwise struggling Vikings team. His sack total for the season beat a Vikings record and fell just short of the NFL record held by Michael Strahan. Allen was not on last year's list.

Clay Matthews shows up this year at number 72 after not appearing on last year's list. Matthews racked up 13.5 sacks in what turned out to be a Pro Bowl season for the linebacker.

Kevin Love of the Timberwolves makes his debut at number 85. The current face of the Wolves earned numerous double-doubles and offered several great performances in the past season, and he continues to show his value as the young team he plays on continues to find their groove.