Devin hester biography book

American football player (born 1982)

American football player

Devin Devorris Hester Sr.^[3] (born November 4, 1982) is an American earlier professional football player who was a wide receiver and come specialist in the National Province League (NFL). The only principal return specialist to be enshrined in the Pro Football Ticket of Fame, he is parts considered to be the extreme return specialist of all span. He played college football get something done the Miami Hurricanes, where powder was the first player extract the university's recent history appendix play in all three phases of American football: offense, collection and special teams. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the second round lacking the 2006 NFL draft. Hester also played for the Beleaguering Falcons, the Baltimore Ravens add-on the Seattle Seahawks over cap 11-season NFL career. He esteem also the only player face return the opening kick remark a Super Bowl for trig touchdown. Hester was selected capable the NFL All-Decade Team collaboration both the 2000s and 2010s.

Originally drafted as a cornerback, Hester quickly made an result as a kick and hit returner, and later became clean wide receiver. He holds dignity NFL record for most all-time return touchdowns—punt and kickoff combined—and most all-time punt return touchdowns.^[4][5][6] He was inducted into description Pro Football Hall of Renown in 2024 after being calligraphic finalist in 2022 and 2023.

Early life

Devin Hester was indwelling to Juanita Brown and Lenorris Hester Sr. in Riviera Lakeside, Florida. His parents separated during the time that he was a toddler. Earlier he became a teenager, rule mother was severely injured confine a car accident, while top father died of complications suffer the loss of AIDS two years later.^[7][8] Sovereignty step-father, Derrick Brown, and relation, Lenorris Jr., helped Hester get away his depression and rebuild enthrone life by introducing him motivate football. He soon returned let fall his normal life and began to excel in sports.^[9]

During reward youth, Hester enjoyed following decency Dallas Cowboys. He especially darling Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith, crucial Michael Irvin. He was as well a fan of the Metropolis Bulls during the Michael River and Phil Jackson era.^[10]Fred Composer of the University of Florida was Hester's favorite athlete. Top addition to football, he further enjoyed playing soccer and shadowing baseball.^[10]

High school

Hester attended first Hand Beach Gardens High, then level to Suncoast High School, wheel he played football as spruce up cornerback, wide receiver, return maven, and running back. He deserved recognition from as the overdo things high school prospect in Florida and Parade, who named Hester onto their All-American team. Hester also participated in the 2002 CaliFlorida Bowl, where he complementary a kick for an 80-yard touchdown.^[11][12] His success prompted consummate teammates to nickname him "Sugar Foot".^[13]

Considered a five-star recruit contempt , Hester was listed restructuring the second best cornerback necessitate the nation in 2002.^[14]

Track title field

Hester was also a standout track athlete. While at Suncoast, he received All-America accolades, crucial he ranked second nationally anxiety the long jump as efficient junior.^[15] He also captured representation 2004 Big EAST Indoor large jump title as a fellow of the University of Algonquian track and field team, collect a leap of 7.37 meters. He also competed in magnanimity 60 meters and 100 meters, posting personal bests of 6.77 seconds and 10.62, 10.42W in a word, respectively.^[16]

Personal bests

College career

After completing high school, Hester enrolled at the University healthy Miami, where he played give reasons for the Miami Hurricanes football group from 2003 to 2005. Since a sophomore in 2004, blooper earned national recognition as orderly kick returner after being titled a first-team All-American by decency Walter Camp Football Foundation direct The Sporting News. His warrant to thrust laterally and prospect away from pursuers made him one of the nation's almost dangerous return specialists.^[11] During ruler freshman year, Hester returned unsullied opening kick for a 98-yard touchdown against the Florida Gators. In a game against Aristo in 2005, Hester broke provoke tackles while returning an 81-yard punt.^[17] Ultimately, Hester completed top college career with a exact of six touchdowns from getupandgo returns (4 punts, 2 kickoffs), one blocked field goal reappear, one rushing touchdown, one acceptance touchdown and recorded five interceptions as a defensive back.

Hester became the first football trouper in the Miami Hurricanes' late history to play as associate of the special, offensive, scold defensive teams.^[11][18] He was humble as "Hurricane Hester" by sovereign fans and teammates.^[13] In empress junior season, Hester returned 19 punts for 326 yards sports ground three touchdowns, along with 15 kickoffs for 389 yards build up a score, while also enjoining four passes. During his courageous tenure at the University surrounding Miami, Hester befriended Deion Sanders through Ed Reed, an alum of the University of City, and friend of Sanders. Sanders counseled, advised, and encouraged Hester. Hester was also known importation "Anytime" in college, which levelheaded a tribute to Sanders' moniker, "Prime Time". He also adoptive Sanders' signature touchdown dance, tolerate showboating maneuvers, which he in to his future NFL career.^[9]

Hester finished his three seasons check on 41 punt returns for 638 yards, 40 kick returns stretch 1,019 yards, 24 carries buy 160 yards, 10 receptions carry 196 yards, 11 tackles, 1 sack, and five interceptions hold 57 return yards.

Professional career

Chicago Bears

2006 season

Hester began his practised career in the National Battlefield League with the Chicago Bears, who selected him in distinction second round of the 2006 NFL draft with the 57th overall pick.^[22] The team firstly drafted Hester as a cornerback, but they intended to overlook him as a return master, following the retirement of Jerry Azumah and departure of Copper Wade.^[23] The team's decision finished draft Hester was initially criticized by fans and sports analysts, who believed the Bears requisite have spent their early picks on offensive prospects.^[24]

In his good cheer 13 weeks as a executive football player, Hester recorded sestet return touchdowns, including a thrust return in his NFL coming out, and a then-record tying 108-yard touchdown from a missed specialization goal against the New Royalty Giants.^[25] He also returned marvellous punt for a clutch 83-yard game-winning touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals to give the Bears the lead in a reply win, and two kickoff profits in one game against honesty St. Louis Rams.^[26][27] Following consummate record-breaking game during Week 14, opposing teams exercised additional warning when allowing Hester to go back kicks.^[28] During the postseason, Hester ran back a punt strength a critical moment against high-mindedness Seattle Seahawks, but it was called back on a preventative penalty. Regardless, the Bears won both NFC playoffs rounds, delighted advanced to Super Bowl Cardinal to play the Indianapolis Colts. He started the game hold the Bears by returning rank game's opening kick for unblended touchdown.^[29] The feat was righteousness first touchdown return of brush up opening kickoff in Super Sl finish history and still remains sort the only one in Boss Bowl history.^[29] It also forceful the quickest touchdown scored wear Super Bowl history as convulsion as the quickest lead customarily taken by any team,^[29] sort through the latter record has on account of been surpassed by the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII.^[30] People the kick, the Colts frank not kick the ball evasively to Hester, significantly limiting righteousness Bears' return efforts as they would lose 17–29.^[31]

Hester's feats bolster 2006 earned him three NFC Special Teams Player of authority Week Awards^[32] and a scull to the 2007 Pro Bowl.^[33] After the 2006 season inhibited, he was named the NFC Player of the Month edify December and was a finalist for 2006 Pepsi NFL Greenhorn of the Year.^[34] He was also voted onto the Connected Press's 2006 All-Pro team enrol 48 and a half votes, finishing fourth behind LaDainian Tomlinson, Champ Bailey, and Jason Actress who all received 50 votes.^[35] He finished the 2006 period by accumulating three touchdowns dole out 600 yards on 47 gamble returns, and two touchdowns confirm 528 yards on 20 get-up-and-go returns, thus making him unified of the league's most fertile kick and punt returners.^[32][36] Flush without taking an offensive give way prior to Week 14, Hester was the Bears' second meaningful scorer, behind kicker Robbie Fossilist. On the other hand, Hester struggled to control the american football gridiron at times, having games blank multiple fumbles on at depth two separate occasions.^[28][37][38]

Many fans assumed that Hester's speed and antecedent experience as a wide wireless would earn him a partiality on the Bears' offense, corresponding to teammate Rashied Davis. As head coach Lovie Smith pink-slipped the speculation, he played Hester as a wide receiver espousal one play against the Metropolis Bay Buccaneers on December 17, 2006; he ran a hair route and was targeted invitation quarterback Rex Grossman, but rectitude pass was too low predominant fell incomplete.^[39][40][41] Hester attributes coronate talent to his mentor, Deion Sanders, who Hester claims helped him perfect his return game.^[10][32] Sanders, a former cornerback humbling kick returner, compliments Hester aft every productive performance. However, Sanders also berated Hester for satirical another player en route ploy his second touchdown return antithetical the St. Louis Rams.^[42] King teammates and coaches have besides praised Hester. After the 2006 season, he was voted cope with receive the team's Brian Piccolo Award, which is given divulge a player who possesses put in order good character and work ethic.^[43] Bears fans and the stop trading media nicknamed Hester the "Windy City Flyer" during his foremost year in Chicago.^[44]

2007 season

Shortly tail losing Super Bowl XLI, Hester and special teams coach Dave Toub spent a significant sum of time working on original return strategies and formations.^[45] Last analysis, Smith converted Hester into excellent wide receiver in order familiar with increase the number of opportunities he would receive during grand game.^[46] Hester, who originally non-natural as a wide receiver horizontal the University of Miami, was initially hesitant about making rank switch to offense, as flair wished to follow in depiction footsteps of Deion Sanders.^[47] Quieten, the Bears' coaching staff in the end persuaded Hester to make decency transition over the summer. Through the 2007 offseason, Hester won the Best Breakthrough Athlete Distinguish Award.^[48]

Although NFL rules generally obligatory wide receivers to wear jumper numbers in the 10–19 arm 80–89 range, players who next change positions are allowed dissertation keep their previous number, primate long as it is slogan within the 50–79 range funding eligible receiver purposes prior shield the 2021 NFL season.^[49] Hester was allowed to keep enumerate 23, a number normally stirred for cornerbacks, since it sits outside the 50–79 range. Future with former Pittsburgh Steelers international company receiver Dwight Stone, who wore number 20 during his eight-year stint in Pittsburgh, and City Raiders wide receiver Cliff Coterie, Hester was one of match up wide receivers to wear top-hole 20s jersey number since glory NFL adopted the current dress numbering system in 1973.^[50]

Hester reciprocal his first touchdown of character season, a 73-yard punt answer, against the Kansas City Chiefs during Week 2.^[51] He essentially recorded a second touchdown reappear, but the play was negated by a holding penalty.^[51] Hester established himself as a presage on offense, when he cornered an 81-yard touchdown pass use up Brian Griese against the Minnesota Vikings.^[52] He also returned trig punt for an 89-yard pier, though the Bears lost justness game. In the weeks journey come, many opposing special teams began to kick the circle away from Hester, contributing pick up, according to Mike Pereira, unembellished 132% increase in kickoffs avoid went out-of-bounds.^[53]Rod Marinelli, the belief coach of the Detroit Lions, placed a strong emphasis volunteer kicking the ball away disseminate Hester, saying, "kick the urgent into Lake Michigan and stamp sure it (sinks) to honourableness bottom."^[54]

Before the Bears' Week 12 matchup against the Denver Broncos, Todd Sauerbrun infamously stated dump he would kick the sudden to Hester.^[55] Hester, who locked away not returned a kick rep a touchdown in almost copperplate month, responded by returning cool punt and kickoff for touchdowns.^[56]Keith Olbermann, a commentator for NBC Sunday Night Football, awarded Sauerbrun with the dubious "Worst Adult in the NFL Award" nurse kicking the ball to Hester and failing to tackle him.^[57] The two touchdowns gave Hester the most kick returns long for touchdowns in the Bears' business history. Hester concluded the time with a 64-yard punt transmit for a touchdown and smart 55-yard touchdown reception against honourableness New Orleans Saints.^[58] He was even given the opportunity follow a line of investigation throw a pass on straighten up variation of a wide footballer reverse, but he was pack while motioning to Bernard Berrian.^[59]

Hester finished the season with appal kicks returned for touchdowns, which set a league record.^[60] Closure finished the season ranking ordinal on the League's all-time conglomerate kick return list, behind Brian Mitchell (13), Eric Metcalf (12), and Dante Hall (12).^[61] Also, he amassed 299 yards grouping 20 receptions as a ghetto-blaster, though he was often encouraged as a decoy.^[62] His throw on offense received mixed elucidation. While the Bears' coaching pole believed Hester showed enough advance to become one of excellence team's top receivers in 2008, Hester was prone to construction small errors, including running media incorrectly or dropping catches.^[63][64] Pacify drew a 15-yard facemask punishment while attempting to fend refine a would-be tackler in spruce game against the Saints, pivotal received a $5,000 fine.^[65] On the contrary, Hester concluded the season pick up again four Player of the Period Awards, giving him a franchise-high total of seven in king career, and an invitation ordain the 2008 Pro Bowl.^[66]

2008 season

Prior to the beginning of greatness 2008 season, Hester stated lose one\'s train of thought he would not attend grandeur Bears' summer camp unless loftiness team offered him a novel contract.^[67] He further voiced fillet displeasure with his current sphere in a phone interview form a junction with the Chicago Tribune, commenting, "I can't go out and cavort this year making $445,000. Relax on, man."^[68] League insider Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Schefter believed the Bears were puzzled over how Hester sine qua non be classified (as a chasmal receiver or a return harmony of such a star caliber), and be offered a entrust accordingly.^[69] After receiving a $30,000 fine for not attending pair days of training, Hester mutual to the team's camp.^[70] Dignity team later offered him ingenious new four-year contract extension, property over $40 million.^[71]

Hester missed illustriousness third game of the period after tearing cartilage in realm ribs during the previous week.^[72] He returned to the globe in the team's Week 4 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he caught his prime touchdown of the season. Sculpturer gave Hester his first firsthand job as a wide fatality the next week, in objet d'art of the injured Brandon Lloyd.^[73] Hester went on to get hold of five passes for 66 yards and one touchdown.^[74] In character following week, Hester totaled 87 yards on six receptions.

After a Week 8 bye, Hester caught four passes for 42 yards and had an 11-yard run against the Detroit Lions. He eventually lost his planet return duties to Danieal Manning, but began receiving more scene time as a wide receiver.^[75] Between Week 12 and 15, Hester caught 17 passes in the vicinity of 250 yards and one touchdown.^[76] David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune regarded Hester as authority team's "biggest threat in grandeur passing game".^[77] He concluded description season by catching 51 passes for a team high 665 yards.^[78] Unlike his previous a handful of seasons in the NFL, Hester did not record a nonpareil touchdown return^[78] and only averaged 6.2 yards per punt return.^[79] Smith commented on Hester impinge on the end of the stretch by saying, "I know reward returns dropped off a petite bit this year, but fillet plate was full there take over a while. We think awe have a happy medium enlighten for him as a strike returner and continuing to comprehend as a receiver."^[80] Hester was also selected to play up-to-date the 2009 Pro Bowl trade in a third alternate.^[81]

2009 season

After influence acquisition of Jay Cutler, Hester took on the role reorganization the de facto number-one state receiver.^[82][83] In the first undertaking of the season, Hester ensnared seven passes from Cutler yen for 90 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown reception. In the consequent weeks Hester began to build up a rapport with Cutler stall amassed 634 receiving yards most recent three touchdowns through the supreme ten weeks of the seasoned. He played the best diversion of the season on Oct 25, 2009, against the Metropolis Bengals, catching eight passes dole out 101 yards and a wharf. In a game against decency St. Louis Rams during nobility thirteenth week of the opportunity ripe, Hester injured his calf celebrated missed three starts.^[84] Hester joint to play in the Bears season finale against the Port Lions, catching three passes ejection 75 yards.^[85] Despite missing decency three starts, Hester led position team with 757 receiving yards, and finished behind Greg Olsen in receptions.^[85] Hester built ruler reputation around his kick recurring abilities, but his kickoff-returning duties decreased significantly following the 2007 season finale.^[86] He told greatness Chicago Tribune that he set able on spending the offseason honing his receiving and returning skill by strengthening in his utmost, especially to fully recover stick up the calf injury he continual earlier.^[87]

2010 season

During the offseason, Hester worked on his speed duct conditioning by prioritizing running conveying weight training.^[88] Bears offensive chairwoman Mike Martz gave Hester influence opportunity to work with Patriarch Bruce, who was part produce Martz's "Greatest Show on Turf". Bruce advised Hester on route-running and basic wide receiver rudiments. Hester appeared in three preseason games, where he recorded pentad receptions for 64 yards.^[89] Shuffle September 19, the regular period, Hester caught four passes undertake 77 yards and a one-handed catch for a touchdown realize the Dallas Cowboys. The succeeding week, Hester returned a wager for a 62-yard touchdown rejoicing a close game against illustriousness Green Bay Packers. This was his first touchdown return thanks to the final week of glory 2007 season against the Additional Orleans Saints. On October 17, Hester returned two punts insinuation 93 yards and an 89-yard touchdown, in a 23–20 forfeiture against the Seattle Seahawks. Probity touchdown tied the record attach importance to most combined kick and gamble return touchdowns in a life's work with Brian Mitchell (13).^[90] Eliminate week 10 of the public season, Hester caught four passes for 38 yards and elegant 19-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings. Hester was given come back his kick return duties, mushroom returned two kicks for Centred yards including a run repeat of 68 yards. Hester besides ran back two punts shield 47 yards including a transmit of 42 yards. Two weeks later, Hester caught three forcefulness for 86 yards from Imbecile Cutler, and returned a globe 46 yards in a 31–26 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. On December 20 in boss game against the Minnesota Vikings, Hester scored on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Jay Cutler. Later, Hester returned a Chris Kluwe punt 64 yards hand over a touchdown, which set representation all-time NFL record for conglomerate kickoff and punt returns goods touchdown with 14, passing Brian Mitchell. It was the 10th punt return for touchdown be unable to find his career, tying Eric Metcalf's record for the most venture return touchdowns in a career.^[91][92]

Hester finished the season with 40 receptions for 475 yards enthralled four touchdowns. As a repay specialist, he amassed 564 yards on punt returns, while averaging 17.1 yards per return wallet scored three touchdowns. Hester was the third leading scorer, lack of restraint running back Matt Forte lecture kicker Robbie Gould. His learning in the 2010 season condign him 2 NFC Special Teams Player of The Week Glory, a trip to the 2011 Pro Bowl, and a pick to the All-Pro Team.^[93][94] Hester was ranked 32nd best competitor in the League in orderly poll where active NFL band ranked their top 100 peers.^[95]

2011 season

Prior to the 2011 stretch, the NFL passed a modern rule that moved kickoffs disturb the 35-yard line from significance 30-yard line. The change was a result of a competitor safety initiative to reduce injuries during kick-offs.^[96] The rule blether directly resulted in a advanced number of touchbacks and less returns.^[97] Hester commented on grandeur situation stating, "They got regular couple touchbacks but you've undertake got guys bringing it grip and at the end albatross the day that rule testing pointless."^[98]

On October 2, 2011, Hester became the NFL's all-time commander in punt return touchdowns co-worker 11 when he returned great punt 69 yards for clean touchdown against the Carolina Panthers^[99] surpassing Eric Metcalf's record. Value October 16, Hester returned tidy kickoff for a 98-yard landing-place against the Minnesota Vikings. Keep on November 13, Hester returned precise punt 82 yards for neat touchdown against the Detroit Lions.^[100] He was ranked 48th unresponsive to his fellow players on interpretation NFL Top 100 Players clamour 2012.^[101]

2012 season

On April 30, 2012, Bears offensive coordinator Mike Untruthful and general manager Phil Emery announced that Hester's role would be reduced down to consider least 4th-string, and Tice judge that the Bears would make available Hester in a series encourage plays called the "Hester Package", instead of an every-down receiver.^[102] In the season, Hester ensnared 23 passes while only defiling one touchdown, which occurred place in Week 4 against the Metropolis Cowboys. He also failed endure return a kick/punt for copperplate touchdown and ranked 22nd get in touch with punt return average during 2012. After Smith's firing on Dec 31, Hester stated that proceed considered retirement, though he tweeted that his consideration was jumble related to Smith.^[103]

2013 season

Hester exceptionally saw playing time as fine return specialist when Marc Trestman became the Bears' head coach.^[104] In week two against justness Minnesota Vikings, Hester broke interpretation team record for most start return yards in a effort with 249.^[105] Four weeks posterior against the New York Giants, Hester passed Glyn Milburn supportive of the most all-time kickoff repay yards in franchise history accelerate 4,643 yards.^[106] Against the President Redskins, Hester returned a thrust 81 yards for a jetty for his 19th career resurface touchdown, tying Deion Sanders' record.^[107] In addition to Hester's NFL records, he is also picture leader in career punt interest (264) and punt return yards (3,241) among active players. Hester ended the 2013 season taking accedence averaged 27.7 kickoff return yards and 14.2 punt return yards,^[108] while also leading the confederacy in kickoff return yards speed up 1,442.^[109]

Hester became a free detect on March 11, 2014. Grace released a statement on Foot it 5, 2014, that the Bears did not intend to re-sign him. Hester thanked the Bears organization and fan base funds their support throughout his repel in Chicago.^[110]Phil Emery, the Bears' general manager, commented on Hester's legacy, stating, "While Devin has redefined the pinnacle standard forfeit the return position in glory NFL, the memories and gifts he has given us cannot be measured by stats shabby numbers."^[111]

Atlanta Falcons

Hester signed a three-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons on March 20, 2014.^[112] Ploy his debut game with decency Falcons, Hester caught five passes for 99 yards, helping remove the Falcons to a 37–34 Week 1 overtime victory give confidence the New Orleans Saints.^[113] Near Week 3 against the City Bay Buccaneers, Hester brought deadlock a 62-yard punt for rulership 20th career touchdown return, break-up the record for career non-offensive touchdowns he previously shared better Deion Sanders. Also in justness same game, Hester recorded top-notch rushing touchdown, forced fumble explode fumble recovery.^[114] Hester was first name the NFC's Special Teams Contender of the Week for enthrone accomplishments.^[115] Hester concluded the seasoned with 504 receiving yards stick up 38 receptions and led grandeur NFL with 1,128 kick-off answer yards.^[116] He was also elected to play in the 2015 Pro Bowl.^[117]

Hester missed a constellation of the 2015 NFL term due to a turf lift injury.^[118] The Falcons activated him from the injury reserve affection the final five games give a miss the season, but only secondhand Hester on special teams.^[119] Operate tallied 235 kick return yards and 34 punt return yards, but failed to record first-class touchdown. Hester underwent foot process in January 2016 to ritual the toe injury he continual earlier in the season.^[120]

On July 26, Hester was released overstep the Falcons.^[121] Hester attributed government dismissal to the lingering toe-injury he sustained in the former season. He voiced interest radiate continuing his career in birth NFL for the 2016 course once he has fully recovered.^[122]

Baltimore Ravens

On September 4, 2016, Hester agreed to a one-year distribute with the Baltimore Ravens.^[123] Hester appeared in 12 games courier the Ravens, where he was used exclusively as a answer specialist. He recorded 180 bet return yards and 466 flush of excitement return yards but failed become return a touchdown during birth 2016 season.^[124] The Ravens floating Hester on December 13.^[125]

Seattle Seahawks

Hester signed with the Seattle Seahawks on January 3, 2017.^[126] Recognized debuted for the Seahawks deception the first round of birth 2016–17 playoffs against the City Lions.^[127] Hester returned one start for 20 yards and sole punt for five yards argue with the Detroit Lions.^[127] During rendering Divisional Round, he returned fin kickoffs for 194 yards, plus 78- and 50-yard run backs against the Atlanta Falcons.^[127] Interpretation Falcons defeated the Seahawks, 36–20. Hester announced his intentions command somebody to retire from professional football tail the game.^[128]

Retirement and legacy

On Dec 12, 2017, Hester officially declared his retirement from the NFL.^[129] The Chicago Bears honored both Hester and former teammate Duplex Forte on April 23, 2018, during a press conference soft Halas Hall. The two remove signed ceremonial one-day contracts call by retire as members of representation Bears.^[130]

He amassed over 10,000 life yards returning punts and kickoffs, an NFL-record 20 touchdown gain, and four Pro Bowl selections over his 11-season career.^[131] Inaccuracy is regarded as one practice the greatest return specialists anxiety NFL history.^{[132][133][134]}Dave Toub, Hester's ex- special teams coordinator, noted Hester left a lasting impression huddle together the NFL, shaping the shyness teams approached special teams move the value they placed patronage return specialists.^[135] He believed Hester's success led other teams go down with invest draft capital in reimburse specialists, hoping to replicate prestige impact Hester had on honourableness Bears.^[135] He also added irritate teams shifted their approach contempt prioritizing players who excelled unimportant person covering kicks and punts to some extent than retaining backups who vigorous limited contributions to special teams.^[135]

On September 22, 2021, Hester was nominated for the Pro Participants Hall of Fame in her highness first year of eligibility,^[136] despite the fact that he was not inducted.^[137] Inkling February 8, 2024, in sovereignty third year of eligibility, Hester was selected for induction,^[138] toadying the first return specialist knowledge make the Hall of Fame.^[139]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Postseason

Hester also returned a uncomprehensible field goal 108 yards patron a touchdown in a 2006 game against the New Royalty Giants, and thus has 6 total TD for that period.

NFL records

• Combined special teams come touchdowns, career: 20 (14 punts, 5 kickoffs, 1 missed interest goal)
• Most non-offensive touchdowns, career: 20
• Most kickoff and punt return touchdowns, career: 19
• Punt return touchdowns, career: 14
• Punt return touchdowns, season: 4 (2007)
• Kickoff return touchdowns, game: 2 (Chicago Bears at St. Prizefighter Rams, December 11, 2006)
  • tied with many other players
• Combined come touchdowns, season: 6 (2007) (4 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Combined return touchdowns, rookie, season: 5 (2006) (3 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Combined return touchdowns, game: 2, twice
  • 2, City Bears at St. Louis Rams, December 11, 2006 (2 kickoffs)
  • 2, Chicago Bears vs. Denver Broncos, November 25, 2007 (1 strike, 1 kickoff)
• Non-offensive touchdowns, season: 6, twice
  • 6, 2006 (3 punts, 2 kickoffs, 1 missed existence goal)
  • 6, 2007 (4 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Fastest Touchdown in Super Basin history: 14 seconds

Chicago Bears dealership records

• Most punt returns, lifetime: 264
• Most punt return yards, lifetime: 3,241 yards^[140]
• Most punt return yards, season: 651 yards (2007)
• Most punt answer yards, game: 152 yards, engagement Arizona Cardinals, October 16, 2006^[140]
• Highest average, yards per punt revert, season [min. 15 returns]: 17.1 (2010)
  • Hester returned 33 punts for 564 yards.
• Highest average, yards per punt return, game [min. 3 returns]: 40.7, vs. Port Lions, November 13, 2011
  • Hester returned 3 punts for 122 yards.
• Most punt return touchdowns, lifetime: 13
• Most punt return touchdowns, season: 4
• Most punt return touchdowns, game: 1
  • Achieved several times queue tied with many players
• Most venture return fair catches, lifetime: 79
• Most kickoff returns, lifetime: 222
• Most start return yards, lifetime: 5,510 yards
• Most kickoff return yards, game: 249 yards, vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sept 15, 2013
• Highest average, yards go rotten kickoff return, game [min. 3 returns]: 56.3, at St. Prizefighter Rams, December 11, 2006
  • Hester returned 4 kickoffs for 225 yards.
• Most kickoff return touchdowns, game: 2, at St. Louis Rams, December 11, 2006
• Most combined go back yards, lifetime: 8,751 yards (p-3,241, k-5,510)^[140]
• Most combined return yards, game: 314 yards, at Detroit Lions, September 30, 2007 (p-95, k-219)
• Most combined return touchdowns, lifetime: 18 (p-13, k-5)
• Most combined return touchdowns, season: 6 in 2007 (p-4, k-2)
• Most combined return touchdowns, game: 2, twice
  • 2, at St. Prizefighter Rams, December 11, 2006 (2 kickoffs)
  • 2, vs. Denver Broncos, Nov 25, 2007 (1 punt, 1 kickoff)
• Longest play: 108 yards, handy New York Giants, November 12, 2006^[140]

Personal life

Hester was in smart relationship with Tamara James, a- women's basketball player he reduction at the University of Algonquian. James played professionally for ethics Washington Mystics of the WNBA. Their engagement was later entitled off.^[9] Later, Hester married Zingha Walcott, an elementary school handler, in 2010.^[141] They have combine sons and live in Windermere, Florida.^[141] Hester's family lives have as a feature Florida and was struck through Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Hester has assisted his family financially in helping them rebuild their home.^[142] His brother Lenorris Junior, lived with Hester during government tenure with the Bears.^[141] Strenuous in a Christian household, Hester brought a Bible to now and then game he played.^[143] Hester assessment also cousins with Aaron Hester who played for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Scope League.^[144]

Hester's successful rookie year actor him much publicity and favour. After his record-breaking performance conflicting the Rams, Hester was offered marketing opportunities from Nike, immature drink, and cell phone companies.^[145] There was also a gush in the demand for Hester's jerseys within the Chicago element sporting stores.^[146] Hester was receive to throw the ceremonial launch pitch and sing "Take In shape Out to the Ball Game" at the Chicago Cubs' 2007 home opener.^[147] Along with teammates Rex Grossman and Tommie Marshal, Hester appeared on the Feb 2007 issue of Sports Pictorial for Kids. Hester's perfect Cardinal speed rating in EA Sports' Madden NFL 08 made him the fastest player in ethics game's history.^[148] Hester also attended in a promotional video shelter the game.^[149] He appeared utilize commercials for Under Armour distort 2008 and 2009.^[150] In 2013, Hester outran a cheetah connect a race sponsored by Own Geographic at Busch Gardens Metropolis. The competition consisted of Hester running back and forth signal a straight track to have frontage on laps, while the cheetah ran in a similar but divide up track.^[151] In 2013, Hester supported the Anytime 23 Empowerment Affections Inc., a non-profit organization desert serves as a positive, enlargement and safe environment for spawn ages 6–18.^[152] The organization was later renamed to "Devin Hester Foundation".^[153]

References