Chicago's New Cover Boys

The new ESPN the Magazine came out this week with their NHL Preview for the 2009-10 season, and right smack in front of everyone are four members of the Chicago Blackhawks: Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Cristobal Huet and Marian Hossa.

Wow. No pressure, kids.

In honor of their national magazine cover shot, let's take a look back at some other Chicago sports players, both icons and busts, that have graced the covers of magazines throughout the years.

Old school baseball

Before they played a cross-town classic, the managers lived up to the title.

Ron Santo

He's been as much a part of the Cubs organization after his playing days ended as he was on the field as an All-Star.

Blackhawks Legends

The current cover would be lucky to someday be as respected as the men on this classic SI cover.

The Golden Jet

Just like I said on the previous slide, if anyone on the current roster is ever held in as much esteem, or has a son that's half as good as Bobby Hull did, they'll be lucky.

Sweetness

If the current Hawks would be lucky to be as good as the older players on the older covers, any player on the cover of SI would be lucky to be as respected as Walter Payton.

Maggie

That's one expensive grill!

Just ask his dentist.

Leon Durham

Needed a better glove for about two seconds in 1984.

Super Bears

In my opinion, still the best defense ever.

Jimmy Mac

Like the classic Bond title song said, "nobody does it better."

Ryno

Back when $3 or $4 million was a lot of money.

Michael

He did a few covers...

Some good...

Some not so good...

Some real...

Some legendary

Back when Urlacher was just a bacher...

They're so cute at that age...

What jinx?

No... seriously...

Believe?

Somebody has to. Right?

How'd that one work out?

Super Bears v.2

A great defense. And Rex Grossman.

Clean Sox

And new rings.

Speaking of Champions

Did I mention he smokes?

Kosuke

Yeah. That went well...

The New Generation

That's Jay Cutler?

There's a really talented artist somewhere in Chicago with Cutler's chins on his cutting room floor.

Nice hair, Jay.

What better way to end than...

Perfection.