Devin Hester, You Are Ridiculous

By the time the 2008 NFL season rolls around, the Chicago Bears' Devin Hester may be considered the NFL's most versatile player. He is perhaps the game's most gifted athlete, on pace to shatter almost every kick and punt return record with an absurd 11 touchdowns in just two seasons. But in 2007, Hester was utilized as a wide receiver by head coach Lovie Smith, hauling in 20 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns.

While the Bears slipped to 7-9 last season and are hardly considered a major contender heading into next year, Hester has proven that he alone is worth the price of admission. His flare for the dramatic, which includes the only opening kickoff returned for a touchdown in Super Bowl history, is almost uncanny. The Bears, who lost their top receiving threat in Bernard Berrian this offseason, have tried to utilize Hester in the passing game. But as the game's premier return man, Hester has simply set a new standard.

With Chicago's new #23 standing back returning kicks, the Bears are virtually guaranteed of favorable field position. For those foolish enough to kick to Hester, the risk is tremendous. For those who choose to kick away from him, they suffer the consequences of a short kick and thus, a short field for the opposing offense.

A victim of a team devoid of big playmakers on offense, Hester's increased role was thought to have taken a toll on him last season. Instead, he nearly duplicated his extraordinary rookie campaign with five more return touchdowns while also pitching in some big plays on offense for a team that had its fair share of quarterback issues.

While the 2008 Bears might be a far cry from the club that reached Super Bowl XLI just two seasons ago, Hester makes them an instant attraction. He may in fact be the only player in all of football to validate the old cliche "he's a threat to score any time he touches the ball". Which is why, of course, Lovie Smith has tried using him in every which way possible.