Continuing our list of…well…read the title, buddy.

# 5. Devin Hester

There is really no need for me, or anyone else, to mention how valuable Devin Hester is to the Chicago Bears. But, for the sake of the list, I will do it anyway.

In two short years, Hester has managed to seize the role of top Bears superstar from linebacker Brian Urlacher. His style of play is exciting; his moves Jordanesque, and he wears number 23 to boot. Hester’s return ability is like none other before him and has changed the way in which the game is played.

This year, teams that thought they could simply kick away from Hester to avoid getting burned might have to think twice. With Hester expected to see a huge bump in his touches at wide receiver, opposing defensive coordinators will need to gameplan for two Hesters.

One Hester will ensure the Bears always have excellent field position — whether he returns a punt 60 yards or scares the punter into kicking the ball out of bounds at his own 40. The other — after an offseason of polishing his route running and learning the playbook — will get his hands on the ball anyway he can. It could be a quick slant over the middle that allows him to zip by linebackers and safeties alike, or it might be a deep bomb that he — five yards ahead of his closest combatant — catches in stride and takes to the house.

The fact is, Devin Hester is a very dangerous man. And as his role on offense increases, so does the prospect for the big play. He’s ended his two-day holdout, returned to camp, and is certain to get a deserved, new contract soon. Now, his focus can return to the game in which he excels at, and to a relatively newly-learned position of which hopes are high that he can master, too.