Rookies Shine on Sunday

At least two rookies played prominent roles in helping their teams advance to yesterday’s Super Bowl.

Devin Hester and Joseph Addai, who just a year ago were completing their collegiate careers, were pivotal parts of each team’s success in 2006.

Hester, the thrilling return man from Miami, produced such electrifying play that it catapulted him to the head of the list for many rookie-of-the-year honors. Such a spark hasn’t been seen in the return game since the Kansas City Chiefs’ Dante Hall had the pro football world on red alert every time he touched the ball.

Addai has been a pleasant pickup for the Colts who lost Edgerrin James in the off season. His one-two punch with backfield mate Dominic Rhodes gave Indianapolis the ground burst to keep the Bears at bay.

Here’s the thing, Addai was a late first round pick and Hester went in the second round. There are a lot of elements that go into the draft. Need. Draft position. And if you’re the Houston Texans, temporary insanity.

But my point is solid players, impact players, can be had for every team out there. A lot can be said for the talent that surrounds rookies. And Addai has the benefit of being on one of the best offenses in the NFL, so it’s not like opposing offenses are geared to stop him. But he contributes and was huge this season.

Hester, I’m pretty sure he would have returned a few for scores on any team in the league.

But it’s also fun for the fans in Miami and LSU. They got to enjoy watching their guys excel on the highest level. Another reason college football is so great. Even on Sundays.