USA Football, which is football's national governing body, has released their 3rd annual All-Fundamentals team. After being shut out in 2009, the Bears placed one player on the 2010 team, long snapper Patrick Mannelly. With Mannelly's injury this season it would have been tough for him to repeat his feat, but the Bears did place two players on the 2011 team. The first should be obvious thanks to the picture to the right, Devin Hester is their kick returner. Hit the jump to see what they had to say about Devin and which Bears player will join him on the team
Here's what they had to say about Hester.
Devin Hester is the most feared kick returner in football, but it’s not just his blazing speed and quick moves that earned him a position on the All-Fundamentals Team. When you break it down, it’s all about the fundamentals. He catches the ball properly and then follows his blocks.
And here's what they had to say about Julius Peppers who made the team at defensive end.
He may have size and strength on his side, but Julius Peppers doesn’t rely solely on his physical gifts. He’s also fundamentally sound when defeating blocks which is why he’s on the All-Fundamentals Team. He keeps his pads lower than the blocker’s and keeps his head moving to always monitor his gaps which leads to tackles.
Here's the link to see the entire 26 member All-Fundamentals team, and poke around the team to see videos of each team member utilizing their mastered fundamental in action.