February 10, 2008
Hester, Ayanbadejo end season with Pro Bowl victory
By Larry Mayer
Bears all-stars Devin Hester and Brendon Ayanbadejo helped the NFC rally from a 24-7 second-quarter deficit to defeat the AFC 42-30 in the Pro Bowl Sunday at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu.
Hester averaged 33 yards on five kickoff returns, repeatedly giving the NFC offense excellent field position, while Ayanbadejo registered a game-high four special-teams tackles and added two tackles while playing linebacker on defense.
The NFC scored touchdowns following each of Hester’s first four kickoff returns of 39, 51, 25 and 36 yards. On his fifth and final return, the Bears superstar brought the ball back 14 yards to the NFC 18 before firing an overhand lateral across the field to Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, who rumbled 35 yards to the AFC 47.
Hester had no punt returns; the only punt of the game, by the AFC's Shane Lechler, went into the end zone for a touchback.
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, one of three rookies in the game, was selected the Pro Bowl MVP after rushing for 129 yards and 2 touchdowns on 16 carries.
It was the second most rushing yards in Pro Bowl history behind Marshall Faulk, who had 180 yards as an Indianapolis Colts rookie in 1995.
LINK
http://www.chicagobears.com/news/New...?story_id=4354