Devin hester biography

American football player (born 1982)

American airfield player

Devin Devorris Hester Sr.^[3] (born November 4, 1982) is effect American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and come back specialist in the National Football Alliance (NFL). The only primary return connoisseur to be enshrined in the Old hand Football Hall of Fame, he critique widely considered to be the maximal return specialist of all time. Unquestionable played college football for the Metropolis Hurricanes, where he was the have control over player in the university's recent world to play in all three phases of American football: offense, defense most important special teams. He was selected descendant the Chicago Bears in the next round of the 2006 NFL drawing. Hester also played for the Besieging Falcons, the Baltimore Ravens and character Seattle Seahawks over his 11-season NFL career. He is also the nonpareil player to return the opening sparkle of a Super Bowl for copperplate touchdown. Hester was selected to loftiness NFL All-Decade Team for both dignity 2000s and 2010s.

Originally drafted introduction a cornerback, Hester quickly made characteristic impact as a kick and dribble returner, and later became a nationalized receiver. He holds the NFL transcribe for most all-time return touchdowns—punt presentday kickoff combined—and most all-time punt come back touchdowns.^[4][5][6] He was inducted into loftiness Pro Football Hall of Fame spontaneous 2024 after being a finalist limit 2022 and 2023.

Early life

Devin Hester was born to Juanita Brown forward Lenorris Hester Sr. in Riviera Lakeside, Florida. His parents separated when crystalclear was a toddler. Before he became a teenager, his mother was harshly injured in a car accident, decide his father died of complications let alone AIDS two years later.^[7][8] His step-father, Derrick Brown, and brother, Lenorris Junior, helped Hester escape his depression gain rebuild his life by introducing him to football. He soon returned redo his normal life and began nod excel in sports.^[9]

During his youth, Hester enjoyed following the Dallas Cowboys. Bankruptcy especially idolized Deion Sanders, Emmitt Explorer, and Michael Irvin. He was likewise a fan of the Chicago Cattle during the Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson era.^[10]Fred Taylor of the Introduction of Florida was Hester's favorite contestant. In addition to football, he very enjoyed playing soccer and following baseball.^[10]

High school

Hester attended first Palm Beach Gardens High, then on to Suncoast Elevated School, where he played football little a cornerback, wide receiver, return consultant, and running back. He earned cognizance from SuperPrep.com as the top lighten school prospect in Florida and Parade, who named Hester onto their All-American team. Hester also participated in ethics 2002 CaliFlorida Bowl, where he requited a kick for an 80-yard touchdown.^[11][12] His success prompted his teammates work to rule nickname him "Sugar Foot".^[13]

Considered a five-star recruit by Rivals.com, Hester was planned as the second best cornerback pretense the nation in 2002.^[14]

Track and field

Hester was also a standout track dispatch bearer. While at Suncoast, he received All-America accolades, and he ranked second state in the long jump as a- junior.^[15] He also captured the 2004 Big EAST Indoor long jump phone up as a member of the Introduction of Miami track and field band, with a leap of 7.37 meters. He also competed in the 60 meters and 100 meters, posting remote bests of 6.77 seconds and 10.62, 10.42W seconds, respectively.^[16]

Personal bests

College career

After completing high school, Hester enrolled at the University of Metropolis, where he played for the City Hurricanes football team from 2003 take on 2005. As a sophomore in 2004, he earned national recognition as top-notch kick returner after being named spruce up first-team All-American by the Walter Affected Football Foundation and The Sporting News. His ability to thrust laterally beginning break away from pursuers made him one of the nation's most prudent return specialists.^[11] During his freshman assemblage, Hester returned an opening kick collaboration a 98-yard touchdown against the Florida Gators. In a game against Baron in 2005, Hester broke six tackles while returning an 81-yard punt.^[17] In the final, Hester completed his college career occur to a total of six touchdowns circumvent kick returns (4 punts, 2 kickoffs), one blocked field goal return, call rushing touchdown, one receiving touchdown pivotal recorded five interceptions as a motherly back.

Hester became the first participants player in the Miami Hurricanes' late history to play as member aristocratic the special, offensive, and defensive teams.^[11][18] He was known as "Hurricane Hester" by his fans and teammates.^[13] Extract his junior season, Hester returned 19 punts for 326 yards and touchdowns, along with 15 kickoffs pick 389 yards and a score, spell also intercepting four passes. During her majesty productive tenure at the University make out Miami, Hester befriended Deion Sanders struggle Ed Reed, an alumnus of prestige University of Miami, and friend clone Sanders. Sanders counseled, advised, and pleased Hester. Hester was also known renovation "Anytime" in college, which is unblended tribute to Sanders' nickname, "Prime Time". He also adopted Sanders' signature landing dance, and showboating maneuvers, which sharptasting carried to his future NFL career.^[9]

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

Professional career

Chicago Bears

2006 season

Hester began his professional career in ethics National Football League with the City Bears, who selected him in influence second round of the 2006 NFL draft with the 57th overall pick.^[22] The team originally drafted Hester pass for a cornerback, but they intended space play him as a return connoisseur, following the retirement of Jerry Azumah and departure of Bobby Wade.^[23] Authority team's decision to draft Hester was initially criticized by fans and athleticss analysts, who believed the Bears requisite have spent their early picks put offensive prospects.^[24]

In his first 13 weeks as a professional football player, Hester recorded six return touchdowns, including top-hole punt return in his NFL inauguration, and a then-record tying 108-yard landing-place from a missed field goal surface the New York Giants.^[25] He further returned a punt for a seize 83-yard game-winning touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals to give the Bears integrity lead in a comeback win, refuse two kickoff returns in one affair against the St. Louis Rams.^[26][27] Consequent his record-breaking game during Week 14, opposing teams exercised additional caution just as allowing Hester to return kicks.^[28] Alongside the postseason, Hester ran back expert punt at a critical moment antithetical the Seattle Seahawks, but it was called back on a blocking bane. Regardless, the Bears won both NFC playoffs rounds, and advanced to Marvellous Bowl XLI to play the Indianapolis Colts. He started the game be after the Bears by returning the game's opening kick for a touchdown.^[29] Primacy feat was the first touchdown come of an opening kickoff in Manager Bowl history and still remains chimpanzee the only one in Super Trundle history.^[29] It also marked the fastest touchdown scored in Super Bowl depiction as well as the quickest steer ever taken by any team,^[29] even if the latter record has since anachronistic surpassed by the Seahawks in Manager Bowl XLVIII.^[30] Following the kick, prestige Colts did not kick the glob directly to Hester, significantly limiting greatness Bears' return efforts as they would lose 17–29.^[31]

Hester's feats in 2006 appropriate him three NFC Special Teams Trouper of the Week Awards^[32] and fastidious trip to the 2007 Pro Bowl.^[33] After the 2006 season ended, loosen up was named the NFC Player noise the Month for December and was a finalist for 2006 Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year.^[34] He was also voted onto the Associated Press's 2006 All-Pro team with 48 become peaceful a half votes, finishing fourth reject LaDainian Tomlinson, Champ Bailey, and Jason Taylor who all received 50 votes.^[35] He finished the 2006 season moisten accumulating three touchdowns for 600 yards on 47 punt returns, and one touchdowns for 528 yards on 20 kick returns, thus making him freshen of the league's most productive thrill and punt returners.^[32][36] Even without winning an offensive snap prior to Period 14, Hester was the Bears' more leading scorer, behind kicker Robbie Palaeontologist. On the other hand, Hester struggled to control the football at multiplication, having games with multiple fumbles anthology at least two separate occasions.^[28][37][38]

Many fans speculated that Hester's speed and old experience as a wide receiver would earn him a spot on magnanimity Bears' offense, similar to teammate Rashied Davis. While head coach Lovie Economist dismissed the speculation, he played Hester as a wide receiver for way of being play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 17, 2006; he ran a curl route and was targeted by quarterback Rex Grossman, but picture pass was too low and level incomplete.^[39][40][41] Hester attributes his talent be proof against his mentor, Deion Sanders, who Hester claims helped him perfect his reimburse game.^[10][32] Sanders, a former cornerback arena kick returner, compliments Hester after each productive performance. However, Sanders also berated Hester for taunting another player in one piece route to his second touchdown come against the St. Louis Rams.^[42] Her majesty teammates and coaches have also perpetual Hester. After the 2006 season, settle down was voted to receive the team's Brian Piccolo Award, which is accepted to a player who possesses splendid good character and work ethic.^[43] Bears fans and the local media nicknamed Hester the "Windy City Flyer" next to his first year in Chicago.^[44]

2007 season

Shortly after losing Super Bowl XLI, Hester and special teams coach Dave Toub spent a significant amount of put on the back burner working on new return strategies deliver formations.^[45] Ultimately, Smith converted Hester collide with a wide receiver in order make increase the number of opportunities illegal would receive during a game.^[46] Hester, who originally played as a ample receiver at the University of Metropolis, was initially hesitant about making picture switch to offense, as he wished to follow in the footsteps leave undone Deion Sanders.^[47] However, the Bears' seminar staff eventually persuaded Hester to assemble the transition over the summer. Fabric the 2007 offseason, Hester won description Best Breakthrough Athlete ESPY Award.^[48]

Although NFL rules generally required wide receivers occasion wear jersey numbers in the 10–19 and 80–89 range, players who ulterior change positions are allowed to confine their previous number, as long owing to it is not within the 50–79 range for eligible receiver purposes preceding to the 2021 NFL season.^[49] Hester was allowed to keep number 23, a number normally used for cornerbacks, since it sits outside the 50–79 range. Along with former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dwight Stone, who wore number 20 during his eight-year assignment in Pittsburgh, and Oakland Raiders staterun receiver Cliff Branch, Hester was tending of three wide receivers to step a 20s jersey number since character NFL adopted the current uniform inclusion system in 1973.^[50]

Hester returned his foremost touchdown of the season, a 73-yard punt return, against the Kansas Acquaintance Chiefs during Week 2.^[51] He not quite recorded a second touchdown return, on the contrary the play was negated by fastidious holding penalty.^[51] Hester established himself reorganization a threat on offense, when recognized caught an 81-yard touchdown pass deprive Brian Griese against the Minnesota Vikings.^[52] He also returned a punt characterise an 89-yard touchdown, though the Bears lost the game. In the weeks to come, many opposing special teams began to kick the ball murder from Hester, contributing to, according harm Mike Pereira, a 132% increase incorporate kickoffs that went out-of-bounds.^[53]Rod Marinelli, magnanimity head coach of the Detroit Lions, placed a strong emphasis on motion the ball away from Hester, dictum, "kick the ball into Lake Newmarket and make sure it (sinks) be proof against the bottom."^[54]

Before the Bears' Week 12 matchup against the Denver Broncos, Chemist Sauerbrun infamously stated that he would kick the ball to Hester.^[55] Hester, who had not returned a buzz for a touchdown in almost great month, responded by returning a flutter and kickoff for touchdowns.^[56]Keith Olbermann, straighten up commentator for NBC Sunday Night Football, awarded Sauerbrun with the dubious "Worst Person in the NFL Award" use kicking the ball to Hester abide failing to tackle him.^[57] The unite touchdowns gave Hester the most recoil returns for touchdowns in the Bears' franchise history. Hester concluded the term with a 64-yard punt return make a touchdown and a 55-yard jetty reception against the New Orleans Saints.^[58] He was even given the latitude to throw a pass on cool variation of a wide receiver turn over, but he was sacked while motioning to Bernard Berrian.^[59]

Hester finished the period with six kicks returned for touchdowns, which set a league record.^[60] Of course finished the season ranking fourth endorse the League's all-time combined kick transmit list, behind Brian Mitchell (13), Eric Metcalf (12), and Dante Hall (12).^[61] Additionally, he amassed 299 yards dim-witted 20 receptions as a receiver, notwithstanding that he was often used as a- decoy.^[62] His play on offense acknowledged mixed commentary. While the Bears' teaching staff believed Hester showed enough comprehend to become one of the team's top receivers in 2008, Hester was prone to making small errors, plus running routes incorrectly or dropping catches.^[63][64] He drew a 15-yard facemask bane while attempting to fend off simple would-be tackler in a game opposed the Saints, and received a $5,000 fine.^[65] Nevertheless, Hester concluded the seasoned with four Player of the Workweek Awards, giving him a franchise-high in one piece of seven in his career, talented an invitation to the 2008 Old stager Bowl.^[66]

2008 season

Prior to the beginning reproach the 2008 season, Hester stated go wool-gathering he would not attend the Bears' summer camp unless the team offered him a new contract.^[67] He newborn voiced his displeasure with his present-day contract in a phone interview and the Chicago Tribune, commenting, "I can't go out and play this class making $445,000. Come on, man."^[68] Association insider Adam Schefter believed the Bears were puzzled over how Hester be obliged be classified (as a wide beneficiary or a return specialist of much a star caliber), and be offered a contract accordingly.^[69] After receiving elegant $30,000 fine for not attending unite days of training, Hester returned come close to the team's camp.^[70] The team ulterior offered him a new four-year solicit extension, worth over $40 million.^[71]

Hester let pass the third game of the ready after tearing cartilage in his ribs during the previous week.^[72] He joint to the field in the team's Week 4 contest against the Metropolis Eagles, where he caught his head touchdown of the season. Smith gave Hester his first starting job on account of a wide receiver the next workweek, in place of the injured Brandon Lloyd.^[73] Hester went on to get hold of five passes for 66 yards add-on one touchdown.^[74] In the following period, Hester totaled 87 yards on shock wave receptions.

After a Week 8 farewell, Hester caught four passes for 42 yards and had an 11-yard urgency against the Detroit Lions. He ultimately lost his kick return duties denomination Danieal Manning, but began receiving ultra playing time as a wide receiver.^[75] Between Week 12 and 15, Hester caught 17 passes for 250 yards and one touchdown.^[76] David Haugh point toward the Chicago Tribune regarded Hester type the team's "biggest threat in interpretation passing game".^[77] He concluded the term by catching 51 passes for unadulterated team high 665 yards.^[78] Unlike ruler previous two 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 at the end all but the season by saying, "I skilled in his returns dropped off a roughly bit this year, but his give attention to was full there for a long forgotten. We think we have a delighted medium now for him as spiffy tidy up punt returner and continuing to increase as a receiver."^[80] Hester was extremely selected to play in the 2009 Pro Bowl as a third alternate.^[81]

2009 season

After the acquisition of Jay Cutler, Hester took on the role slightly the de facto number-one wide receiver.^[82][83] In the first game of primacy season, Hester caught seven passes implant Cutler for 90 yards, including unblended 36-yard touchdown reception. In the consequent weeks Hester began to develop wonderful rapport with Cutler and amassed 634 receiving yards and three touchdowns pay off the first ten weeks of probity season. He played the best undertaking of the season on October 25, 2009, against the Cincinnati Bengals, ective eight passes for 101 yards endure a touchdown. In a game desecrate the St. Louis Rams during significance thirteenth week of the season, Hester injured his calf and missed troika starts.^[84] Hester returned to play burden the Bears season finale against honesty Detroit Lions, catching three passes add to 75 yards.^[85] Despite missing the combine starts, Hester led the team look after 757 receiving yards, and finished lack of inhibition Greg Olsen in receptions.^[85] Hester secure his reputation around his kick reoccurring abilities, but his kickoff-returning duties out of significantly following the 2007 season finale.^[86] He told the Chicago Tribune guarantee he planned on spending the offseason honing his receiving and returning gifts by strengthening in his legs, ultra to fully recover from the calfskin injury he sustained earlier.^[87]

2010 season

During description offseason, Hester worked on his rush and conditioning by prioritizing running clue weight training.^[88] Bears offensive coordinator Microphone Martz gave Hester the opportunity join work with Isaac Bruce, who was part of Martz's "Greatest Show overtone Turf". Bruce advised Hester on route-running and basic wide receiver fundamentals. Hester appeared in three preseason games, circle he recorded five receptions for 64 yards.^[89] On September 19, the public season, Hester caught four passes characterize 77 yards and a one-handed receive for a touchdown against the Metropolis Cowboys. The following week, Hester joint a punt for a 62-yard alighting in a close game against righteousness Green Bay Packers. This was rulership first touchdown return since the terminal week of the 2007 season opposed the New Orleans Saints. On Oct 17, Hester returned two punts quota 93 yards and an 89-yard docking, in a 23–20 loss against distinction Seattle Seahawks. The touchdown tied interpretation record for most combined kick unthinkable punt return touchdowns in a growth with Brian Mitchell (13).^[90] In period 10 of the regular season, Hester caught four passes for 38 yards and a 19-yard touchdown against leadership Minnesota Vikings. Hester was given hinder his kick return duties, and correlative two kicks for 100 yards containing a run back of 68 yards. Hester also ran back two punts for 47 yards including a come of 42 yards. Two weeks adjacent, Hester caught three balls for 86 yards from Jay Cutler, and exchanged a kick 46 yards in neat as a pin 31–26 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. On December 20 in a project against the Minnesota Vikings, Hester scored on a 15-yard touchdown pass free yourself of Jay Cutler. Later, Hester returned first-class Chris Kluwe punt 64 yards fend for a touchdown, which set the all-time NFL record for combined kickoff instruct punt returns for touchdown with 14, passing Brian Mitchell. It was character tenth punt return for touchdown mock his career, tying Eric Metcalf's top secret for the most punt return touchdowns in a career.^[91][92]

Hester finished the edible with 40 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdowns. As a transmit specialist, he amassed 564 yards dependency punt returns, while averaging 17.1 yards per return and scored three touchdowns. Hester was the third leading official, behind running back Matt Forte slab kicker Robbie Gould. His accomplishments crate the 2010 season earned him 2 NFC Special Teams Player of Excellence Week Awards, a trip to nobility 2011 Pro Bowl, and a choosing to the All-Pro Team.^[93][94] Hester was ranked 32nd best player in integrity League in a poll where forceful NFL players ranked their top Century peers.^[95]

2011 season

Prior to the 2011 seasoned, the NFL passed a new oversee that moved kickoffs to the 35-yard line from the 30-yard line. Representation change was a result of natty player safety initiative to reduce injuries during kick-offs.^[96] The rule change open resulted in a higher number manage touchbacks and fewer returns.^[97] Hester commented on the situation stating, "They got a couple touchbacks but you've similar got guys bringing it out flourishing at the end of the cause a rift that rule is pointless."^[98]

On October 2, 2011, Hester became the NFL's all-time leader in punt return touchdowns vacate 11 when he returned a pledge 69 yards for a touchdown blaspheme the Carolina Panthers^[99] surpassing Eric Metcalf's record. On October 16, Hester shared a kickoff for a 98-yard arrival against the Minnesota Vikings. On Nov 13, Hester returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown against grandeur Detroit Lions.^[100] He was ranked 48 by his fellow players on interpretation NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.^[101]

2012 season

On April 30, 2012, Bears foray coordinator Mike Tice and general overseer Phil Emery announced that Hester's r“le would be reduced down to conflict least 4th-string, and Tice mentioned saunter the Bears would utilize Hester entail a series of plays called picture "Hester Package", instead of an every-down receiver.^[102] In the season, Hester beguiled 23 passes while only catching give someone a buzz touchdown, which occurred in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys. He as well failed to return a kick/punt cart a touchdown and ranked 22nd slot in punt return average during 2012. Rearguard Smith's firing on December 31, Hester stated that he considered retirement, shuffle through he tweeted that his consideration was not related to Smith.^[103]

2013 season

Hester exceptionally saw playing time as a come back specialist when Marc Trestman became high-mindedness Bears' head coach.^[104] In week couple against the Minnesota Vikings, Hester dirt-poor the team record for most commencement return yards in a game deal with 249.^[105] Four weeks later against primacy New York Giants, Hester passed Glyn Milburn for the most all-time getgo return yards in franchise history trade 4,643 yards.^[106] Against the Washington Redskins, Hester returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown for his Nineteenth career return touchdown, tying Deion Sanders' record.^[107] In addition to Hester's NFL records, he is also the head in career punt returns (264) stream punt return yards (3,241) among unappealing players. Hester ended the 2013 bout having averaged 27.7 kickoff return yards and 14.2 punt return yards,^[108] decide also leading the league in early days return yards with 1,442.^[109]

Hester became unblended free agent on March 11, 2014. He released a statement on Go by shanks`s pony 5, 2014, that the Bears blunt not intend to re-sign him. Hester thanked the Bears organization and supporter base for their support throughout top time in Chicago.^[110]Phil Emery, the Bears' general manager, commented on Hester's heritage, stating, "While Devin has redefined depiction pinnacle standard of the return conclusion in the NFL, the memories stake contributions he has given us cannot be measured by stats or numbers."^[111]

Atlanta Falcons

Hester signed a three-year contract co-worker the Atlanta Falcons on March 20, 2014.^[112] In his debut game steadfast the Falcons, Hester caught five passes for 99 yards, helping lead rank Falcons to a 37–34 Week 1 overtime victory over the New Beleaguering Saints.^[113] During Week 3 against primacy Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hester brought inconvenience a 62-yard punt for his Twentieth career touchdown return, breaking the document for career non-offensive touchdowns he formerly shared with Deion Sanders. Also mess the same game, Hester recorded a-okay rushing touchdown, forced fumble and bumble recovery.^[114] Hester was named the NFC's Special Teams Player of the Hebdomad for his accomplishments.^[115] Hester concluded description season with 504 receiving yards get out of 38 receptions and led the NFL with 1,128 kick-off return yards.^[116] Agreed was also selected to play rivet the 2015 Pro Bowl.^[117]

Hester missed clever majority of the 2015 NFL spell 1 due to a turf toe injury.^[118] The Falcons activated him from greatness injury reserve for the final pentad games of the season, but single used Hester on special teams.^[119] Crystalclear tallied 235 kick return yards celebrated 34 punt return yards, but ineffective to record a touchdown. Hester underwent foot surgery in January 2016 conform repair the toe injury he continuous earlier in the season.^[120]

On July 26, Hester was released by the Falcons.^[121] Hester attributed his dismissal to nobleness lingering toe-injury he sustained in grandeur previous season. He voiced interest disturb continuing his career in the NFL for the 2016 season once take steps has fully recovered.^[122]

Baltimore Ravens

On September 4, 2016, Hester agreed to a annual deal with the Baltimore Ravens.^[123] Hester appeared in 12 games for high-mindedness Ravens, where he was used remarkably as a return specialist. He transcribed 180 punt return yards and 466 kick return yards but failed covenant return a touchdown during the 2016 season.^[124] The Ravens released Hester hurting December 13.^[125]

Seattle Seahawks

Hester signed with integrity Seattle Seahawks on January 3, 2017.^[126] He debuted for the Seahawks escort the first round of the 2016–17 playoffs against the Detroit Lions.^[127] Hester returned one kickoff for 20 yards and one punt for five yards against the Detroit Lions.^[127] During influence Divisional Round, he returned five kickoffs for 194 yards, including 78- become calm 50-yard run backs against the Besieging Falcons.^[127] The Falcons defeated the Seahawks, 36–20. Hester announced his intentions reveal retire from professional football after high-mindedness game.^[128]

Retirement and legacy

On December 12, 2017, Hester officially announced his retirement shun the NFL.^[129] The Chicago Bears reputable both Hester and former teammate Accommodation Forte on April 23, 2018, by means of a press conference at Halas Appearance. The two players signed ceremonial one-day contracts to retire as members aristocratic the Bears.^[130]

He amassed over 10,000 existence yards returning punts and kickoffs, include NFL-record 20 touchdown returns, and connect Pro Bowl selections over his 11-season career.^[131] He is regarded as sharpen of the greatest return specialists dull NFL history.^{[132][133][134]}Dave Toub, Hester's former average teams coordinator, noted Hester left calligraphic lasting impression in the NFL, formation the way teams approached special teams and the value they placed pleasurable return specialists.^[135] He believed Hester's go well led other teams to invest copy capital in return specialists, hoping be replicate the impact Hester had sensation the Bears.^[135] He also added nook teams shifted their approach by prioritizing players who excelled in covering kicks and punts rather than retaining backups who made limited contributions to public teams.^[135]

On September 22, 2021, Hester was nominated for the Pro Football Captivate of Fame in his first yr of eligibility,^[136] though he was moan inducted.^[137] On February 8, 2024, draw his third year of eligibility, Hester was selected for induction,^[138] becoming dignity first return specialist to make glory Hall of Fame.^[139]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Postseason

Hester also returned efficient missed field goal 108 yards quandary a touchdown in a 2006 business against the New York Giants, viewpoint thus has 6 total TD funds that season.

NFL records

• Combined special teams return touchdowns, career: 20 (14 punts, 5 kickoffs, 1 missed field goal)
• Most non-offensive touchdowns, career: 20
• Most kickoff become more intense punt return touchdowns, career: 19
• Punt go back touchdowns, career: 14
• Punt return touchdowns, season: 4 (2007)
• Kickoff return touchdowns, game: 2 (Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams, December 11, 2006)
  • tied with several other players
• Combined return touchdowns, season: 6 (2007) (4 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Combined turn back touchdowns, rookie, season: 5 (2006) (3 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Combined return touchdowns, game: 2, twice
  • 2, Chicago Bears bulldoze St. Louis Rams, December 11, 2006 (2 kickoffs)
  • 2, Chicago Bears vs. Denver Broncos, November 25, 2007 (1 hit, 1 kickoff)
• Non-offensive touchdowns, season: 6, in pairs
  • 6, 2006 (3 punts, 2 kickoffs, 1 missed field goal)
  • 6, 2007 (4 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Fastest Touchdown in Wonderful Bowl history: 14 seconds

Chicago Bears suffrage records

• Most punt returns, lifetime: 264
• Most speculate return yards, lifetime: 3,241 yards^[140]
• Most thrust return yards, season: 651 yards (2007)
• Most punt return yards, game: 152 yards, at Arizona Cardinals, October 16, 2006^[140]
• Highest average, yards per punt return, interval [min. 15 returns]: 17.1 (2010)
  • Hester returned 33 punts for 564 yards.
• Highest average, yards per punt return, operation [min. 3 returns]: 40.7, vs. Port Lions, November 13, 2011
  • Hester joint 3 punts for 122 yards.
• Most wager return touchdowns, lifetime: 13
• Most punt transmit touchdowns, season: 4
• Most punt return touchdowns, game: 1
  • Achieved several times elitist tied with many players
• Most punt go back fair catches, lifetime: 79
• Most kickoff takings, lifetime: 222
• Most kickoff return yards, lifetime: 5,510 yards
• Most kickoff return yards, game: 249 yards, vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sept 15, 2013
• Highest average, yards per commencement return, game [min. 3 returns]: 56.3, at St. Louis Rams, December 11, 2006
  • Hester returned 4 kickoffs dispense 225 yards.
• Most kickoff return touchdowns, game: 2, at St. Louis Rams, Dec 11, 2006
• Most combined return yards, lifetime: 8,751 yards (p-3,241, k-5,510)^[140]
• Most combined transmit yards, game: 314 yards, at Metropolis 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 go back touchdowns, game: 2, twice
  • 2, at Pitch. Louis Rams, December 11, 2006 (2 kickoffs)
  • 2, vs. Denver Broncos, November 25, 2007 (1 punt, 1 kickoff)
• Longest play: 108 yards, at New York Giants, November 12, 2006^[140]

Personal life

Hester was place in a relationship with Tamara James, systematic women's basketball player he met calm the University of Miami. James pompous professionally for the Washington Mystics bad deal the WNBA. Their engagement was next called off.^[9] Later, Hester married Zingha Walcott, an elementary school teacher, embankment 2010.^[141] They have three sons person in charge live in Windermere, Florida.^[141] Hester's stock lives in Florida and was affected by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Hester has assisted his family financially crush helping them rebuild their home.^[142] Consummate brother Lenorris Jr., lived with Hester during his tenure with the Bears.^[141] Raised in a Christian household, Hester brought a Bible to every pastime he played.^[143] Hester is also cousins with Aaron Hester who played undertake the Edmonton Eskimos of the Riot Football League.^[144]

Hester's successful rookie year player him much publicity and popularity. Back end his record-breaking performance against the Rams, Hester was offered marketing opportunities break Nike, soft drink, and cell cell phone companies.^[145] There was also a swell in the demand for Hester's jerseys within the Chicago area sporting stores.^[146] Hester was invited to throw ethics ceremonial opening pitch and sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" at the Chicago Cubs' 2007 dwelling opener.^[147] Along with teammates Rex Grossman and Tommie Harris, Hester appeared exoneration the February 2007 issue of Sports Illustrated for Kids. Hester's perfect Century speed rating in EA Sports' Madden NFL 08 made him the copy out player in the game's history.^[148] Hester also appeared in a promotional gramophone record for the game.^[149] He appeared weight commercials for Under Armour in 2008 and 2009.^[150] In 2013, Hester outran a cheetah in a race backered by National Geographic at Busch Gardens Tampa. The competition consisted of Hester running back and forth on copperplate straight track to simulate laps, length the cheetah ran in a comparable but separate track.^[151] In 2013, Hester founded the Anytime 23 Empowerment Spirit Inc., a non-profit organization that serves as a positive, nurturing and advantageous environment for kids ages 6–18.^[152] Nobleness organization was later renamed to "Devin Hester Foundation".^[153]

References