It’s that time of the year again, and fans get a final glimpse of their favorite NFL players on the beautiful island of Oahu in Hawaii before the long off-season begins.

While the Chicago Bears didn’t manage to make it past the NFC Championship game against their arch nemesis the Green Bay Packers, they did send four of their star players to the Pro Bowl. 

Arguably one of the best special team threats of all time, Devin Hester was selected to return kicks for the NFC team. Fans also selected defensive end Julius Peppers and linebackers Lance Briggs and Brian Urlacher to showcase Chicago’s gridiron toughness.

Eagles’ quarterback Michael Vick was a unanimous choice around the league to start for the NFC team, and Chargers’ Philip Rivers will start as the QB for the AFC offense. 

Four rookies were selected to this year’s exhibition with each player from a different team. Star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh of the Detroit Lions and center Maurkice Pouncey of the Pittsburgh Steelers were chosen, but unfortunately will not be able to play due to injuries. Devin McCourty of the New England Patriots and Marc Mariani of the Tennessee Titans were also selected to represent the AFC after only one season in the NFL. 

Two players snubbed from selection were Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and Steelers’ linebacker Lamarr Woodley also managed to be left off the defensive roster. Neither would have been able to attend anyway, as they will be facing off in the Super Bowl.

While the Pro Bowl is often an anticlimactic game, it’s an important way for the league’s best players to be recognized for accomplishments in their respective positions. More fans might tune in to this year’s game due to the increasing possibility of a lockout ...