Why I love Devin Hester.

I always have. Well, not always. I don't remember watching any University of Miami games and seeing him. So I should say I've loved him as long as he's been a part of the Bears.

And not just because he's an amazing return specialist. That's a given. It's how exciting he is. Do you remember Barry Sanders? I do. I loved watching him. Every time he got his hands on the ball, you never knew what was going to happen. He made things happen that shouldn't have happened. He actually kind of ruined the running game for my brother and me. We'd watch and wonder why some running back would run up the gut into a wall. Barry didn't do that.

As I began to watch football more and more, I learned about blocking assignments and routes, etc. But I began to wonder where the excitement was. Touted running back after touted running back and I'm looking and not seeing Barry. I thought maybe it was my youth. Like when you go back to your school and it looks so much smaller.

And then along came Hester. I realized that Barry hadn't been a fluke. That excitement I remembered is valid. Hester is the most exciting player since Barry Sanders.