Robert Griffin III and the 5 Most Entertaining Players in the NFL

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The National Football League is, of course, about the athletic achievements of the innumerable immensely talented players that comprise it, but there's another reason why so many people tune in religiously every Sunday.

They want to be entertained.

The NFL has been treated to a new brand of entertainment with the arrival of rookie quarterback Robert Griffin on the scene, and while one man's entertainment is another's drivel (looking at you, Jersey Shore), here's one man's look at where Griffin stacks up among a handful of the league's most entertaining stars.

5. Devin Hester, WR, Chicago Bears

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The National Football League, in its never-ending quest for "player safety" that apparently doesn't include Thursday games or an 18-game schedule, has done it's best to suck all the fun out of kick and punt returns.

However, there remains few plays more exciting than watching a player break a long return, and there isn't anyone in the business better at it than Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears.

Now if we could just ask an opposing team to occasionally kick it to him.

4. Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions

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You know, there were a number of wide receivers that I considered placing here instead of Calvin Johnson of the Detroit Lions, as players such as Victor Cruz of the New York Giants may be more "entertaining" with their salsa dances and whatnot.

Then I remembered a very important fact.

It's also very entertaining to watch opposing defenses try in vain to cover Johnson as he continues his assault on the single-season receiving yardage record.

He's the best in the game, and it ain't close.

3. J.J. Watt, DE, Houston Texans

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It gets lost sometimes in today's National Football League, but there are 11 guys on each team whose job it is to stop the guys on the other team that everyone is cheering for.

They're called defenders.

Among defensive players in 2012, no one is doing his job better than defensive end J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans, and I for one thinks it's hilarious to watch opposing quarterbacks shriek like schoolgirls and then curl into the fetal position as the second-year pro barrels down on them.

2. Robert Griffin, QB, Washington Redskins

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There almost certainly aren't many people that will come out and say that Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin is the best at his position in the NFL.

That's just kooky.

However, what Griffin has become is appointment football, as demonstrated by his dismemberment of the Dallas Cowboys on national television on Thanksgiving.

Whether it's letting loose with a long spiral or hurting opposing defenses with his blazing speed, you just never know what's going to happen when Griffin has the ball, and that makes the game all the more exciting.

1. Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

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In the "modern" National Football League, where 4,000 passing yards are met with a yawn and 5,000 isn't that big of a deal, the running game has become almost quaint, a throwback to a bygone era like those hideous uniforms teams break out once or twice a season.

Well I guess that makes me a dinosaur, because I still enjoy watching a running back bowl through defenders and take it to the house.

In 2012 no one has been better at that than Adrian Peterson of the Minnesota Vikings, who has returned to action after a serious knee injury to lead the NFL in rushing and post an eye-popping 5.8 yards per carry.

That's entertainment "All Day" long folks.