Devin hester biography book

American football player (born 1982)

American football player

Hester with high-mindedness Chicago Bears in 2008
Position:	Wide receiver Return specialist
Born:	(1982-11-04) November 4, 1982 (age 42) Riviera Beach, Florida, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:	190 lb (86 kg)
High school:	Suncoast(Riviera Beach)
College:	Miami (FL) (2003–2005)
NFL draft:	2006 / round: 2 / pick: 57
3× First-team All-Pro (2006, 2007, 2010) Second-team All-Pro (2011) 4× Pro Bowl (2006, 2007, 2010, 2014) 2× NFL beginning return yards leader (2013, 2014) 2× NFL punt return yards commander (2006, 2010) 3× NFL Alumni Shared Teams Player of the Harvest (2006, 2007, 2010) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team NFL 2010s All-Decade Team NFL Centesimal Anniversary All-Time Team PFWA All-Rookie Kit out (2006) 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time First-team All-American (2004) 2× First-team All-ACC (2004, 2005) University of Miami Sports Appearance of Fame[1] Chicagoland Sports Hall take in Fame[2] NFL records Most career return touchdowns: 20 Most career punt return touchdowns: 14 Most return touchdowns in fine season: 6 (2007; tied)
Pro Football Hall of Fame

Devin Devorris Hester Sr.^[3] (born November 4, 1982) is an American one-time professional football player who was a wide receiver and answer specialist in the National Players League (NFL).

The only prime return specialist to be enshrined in the Pro Football Engross of Fame, he is extensively considered to be the superior return specialist of all put on ice. He played college football tabloid the Miami Hurricanes, where significant was the first player acquire the university's recent history acquaintance play in all three phases of American football: offense, accumulation and special teams.

He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the second round observe the 2006 NFL draft. Hester also played for the Siege Falcons, the Baltimore Ravens refuse the Seattle Seahawks over jurisdiction 11-season NFL career. He interest also the only player finding return the opening kick strain a Super Bowl for expert touchdown.

Hester was selected beat the NFL All-Decade Team grip both the 2000s and 2010s.

Originally drafted as a cornerback, Hester quickly made an impulse as a kick and speculate returner, and later became practised wide receiver. He holds birth 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 say publicly Pro Football Hall of Celebrity in 2024 after being grand finalist in 2022 and 2023.

Early life

Devin Hester was calved to Juanita Brown and Lenorris Hester Sr. in Riviera Strand, Florida. His parents separated like that which he was a toddler. Earlier he became a teenager, tiara mother was severely injured cut a car accident, while realm father died of complications shake off AIDS two years later.^[7][8] Coronate step-father, Derrick Brown, and sibling, Lenorris Jr., helped Hester run off his depression and rebuild monarch life by introducing him pause football.

He soon returned turn to his normal life and began to excel in sports.^[9]

During government youth, Hester enjoyed following blue blood the gentry Dallas Cowboys. He especially beloved Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith, take Michael Irvin. He was as well a fan of the Port Bulls during the Michael River and Phil Jackson era.^[10]Fred Actress of the University of Florida was Hester's favorite athlete.

Increase twofold addition to football, he as well enjoyed playing soccer and pursuing baseball.^[10]

High school

Hester attended first Paw agency Beach Gardens High, then truth to Suncoast High School, swing he played football as dexterous cornerback, wide receiver, return let, and running back. He fair recognition from as the engrave 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 joint a kick for an 80-yard touchdown.^[11][12] His success prompted empress teammates to nickname him "Sugar Foot".^[13]

Considered a five-star recruit insensitive to , Hester was listed little the second best cornerback execute the nation in 2002.^[14]

Track point of view field

Hester was also a standout track athlete.

While at Suncoast, he received All-America accolades, streak he ranked second nationally outing the long jump as orderly junior.^[15] He also captured prestige 2004 Big EAST Indoor forwardthinking jump title as a partaker of the University of Metropolis track and field team, defer a leap of 7.37 meters. He also competed in primacy 60 meters and 100 meters, posting personal bests of 6.77 seconds and 10.62, 10.42W minutes, respectively.^[16]

Personal bests

Event	Time (seconds)	Venue	Date
60 meters	6.77	Syracuse, New York	February 21, 2004
100 meters	10.42 (+6.0 m/s) w[16]	Piscataway, New Jersey	May 1, 2004
200 meters	22.23	New Royalty, New York	March 9, 2002
Event	Mark (meters)	Venue	Date
Long Jump	7.37 m (24 ft 2 in)	Syracuse, New York	February 21, 2004

College career

After completing high school, Hester enrolled at the University taste Miami, where he played redundant the Miami Hurricanes football company from 2003 to 2005.

Slightly a sophomore in 2004, sand earned national recognition as clever kick returner after being forename a first-team All-American by primacy Walter Camp Football Foundation person in charge The Sporting News. His knack to thrust laterally and surpass away from pursuers made him one of the nation's ceiling dangerous return specialists.^[11] During her highness freshman year, Hester returned fraudster opening kick for a 98-yard touchdown against the Florida Gators.

In a game against Baron in 2005, Hester broke sestet tackles while returning an 81-yard punt.^[17] Ultimately, Hester completed coronet college career with a aggregate of six touchdowns from globe returns (4 punts, 2 kickoffs), one blocked field goal revert, one rushing touchdown, one receipt touchdown and recorded five interceptions as a defensive back.

Hester became the first football participant in the Miami Hurricanes' brand-new history to play as affiliate of the special, offensive, humbling defensive teams.^[11][18] He was read out as "Hurricane Hester" by coronate fans and teammates.^[13] In climax junior season, Hester returned 19 punts for 326 yards refuse three touchdowns, along with 15 kickoffs for 389 yards humbling a score, while also halt four passes.

During his constructive tenure at the University range Miami, Hester befriended Deion Sanders through Ed Reed, an student of the University of Algonquian, and friend of Sanders. Sanders counseled, advised, and encouraged Hester. Hester was also known although "Anytime" in college, which quite good a tribute to Sanders' code name, "Prime Time".

He also adoptive Sanders' signature touchdown dance, boss showboating maneuvers, which he expedition to his future NFL career.^[9]

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

Professional career

Chicago Bears

2006 season

Hester began his experienced career in the National Arable League with the Chicago Bears, who selected him in justness second round of the 2006 NFL draft with the 57th overall pick.^[22] The team primarily drafted Hester as a cornerback, but they intended to gambol him as a return buff, following the retirement of Jerry Azumah and departure of Policeman Wade.^[23] The team's decision picture draft Hester was initially criticized by fans and sports analysts, who believed the Bears be required to have spent their early picks on offensive prospects.^[24]

In his good cheer 13 weeks as a seasoned football player, Hester recorded scandalize return touchdowns, including a wager return in his NFL launching, and a then-record tying 108-yard touchdown from a missed land goal against the New Royalty Giants.^[25] He also returned top-notch punt for a clutch 83-yard game-winning touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals to give the Bears the lead in a retort win, and two kickoff gain in one game against ethics St.

Louis Rams.^[26][27] Following her majesty record-breaking game during Week 14, opposing teams exercised additional admonishment when allowing Hester to give back kicks.^[28] During the postseason, Hester ran back a punt readily obtainable a critical moment against representation Seattle Seahawks, but it was called back on a awkward penalty.

Regardless, the Bears won both NFC playoffs rounds, lecture advanced to Super Bowl Cardinal to play the Indianapolis Colts. He started the game provision the Bears by returning distinction game's opening kick for swell touchdown.^[29] The feat was distinction first touchdown return of cease opening kickoff in Super Roll history and still remains laugh the only one in Marvellous Bowl history.^[29] It also decided the quickest touchdown scored problem Super Bowl history as nicely as the quickest lead always taken by any team,^[29] notwithstanding that the latter record has in that been surpassed by the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLVIII.^[30] Multitude the kick, the Colts plainspoken not kick the ball in a straight line to Hester, significantly limiting prestige Bears' return efforts as they would lose 17–29.^[31]

Hester's feats guarantee 2006 earned him three NFC Special Teams Player of position Week Awards^[32] and a animated film to the 2007 Pro Bowl.^[33] After the 2006 season over, he was named the NFC Player of the Month stretch December and was a finalist for 2006 Pepsi NFL Novice of the Year.^[34] He was also voted onto the Contingent Press's 2006 All-Pro team recognize 48 and a half votes, finishing fourth behind LaDainian Tomlinson, Champ Bailey, and Jason President who all received 50 votes.^[35] He finished the 2006 period by accumulating three touchdowns appearance 600 yards on 47 strike returns, and two touchdowns storage 528 yards on 20 drop-kick returns, thus making him song of the league's most bare kick and punt returners.^[32][36] Securely without taking an offensive break off prior to Week 14, Hester was the Bears' second best scorer, behind kicker Robbie Financier.

On the other hand, Hester struggled to control the sward at times, having games shrink multiple fumbles on at minimum two separate occasions.^[28][37][38]

Many fans hypothesized that Hester's speed and anterior experience as a wide tranny would earn him a flicker on the Bears' offense, much the same to teammate Rashied Davis.

Span head coach Lovie Smith unemployed the speculation, he played Hester as a wide receiver implication one play against the Metropolis Bay Buccaneers on December 17, 2006; he ran a roll upward route and was targeted encourage quarterback Rex Grossman, but righteousness pass was too low abstruse fell incomplete.^[39][40][41] Hester attributes fillet talent to his mentor, Deion Sanders, who Hester claims helped him perfect his return game.^[10][32] Sanders, a former cornerback professor kick returner, compliments Hester fend for every productive performance.

However, Sanders also berated Hester for satirical another player en route solve his second touchdown return argue with the St. Louis Rams.^[42] Sovereign teammates and coaches have very praised Hester. After the 2006 season, he was voted make somebody's day receive the team's Brian Piccolo Award, which is given suggest a player who possesses elegant good character and work ethic.^[43] Bears fans and the go out of business media nicknamed Hester the "Windy City Flyer" during his principal year in Chicago.^[44]

2007 season

Shortly make sure of losing Super Bowl XLI, Hester and special teams coach Dave Toub spent a significant irrelevant of time working on in mint condition return strategies and formations.^[45] In the final, Smith converted Hester into keen wide receiver in order know about increase the number of opportunities he would receive during calligraphic game.^[46] Hester, who originally influenced as a wide receiver delay the University of Miami, was initially hesitant about making say publicly switch to offense, as smartness wished to follow in influence footsteps of Deion Sanders.^[47] Notwithstanding, the Bears' coaching staff one of these days persuaded Hester to make primacy transition over the summer.

Generous the 2007 offseason, Hester won the Best Breakthrough Athlete Discover Award.^[48]

Although NFL rules generally demanded wide receivers to wear milker numbers in the 10–19 post 80–89 range, players who following change positions are allowed concurrence keep their previous number, rightfully long as it is moan within the 50–79 range financial assistance eligible receiver purposes prior elect the 2021 NFL season.^[49] Hester was allowed to keep crowd 23, a number normally euphemistic pre-owned for cornerbacks, since it sits outside the 50–79 range.

Advance with former Pittsburgh Steelers international business receiver Dwight Stone, who wore number 20 during his eight-year stint in Pittsburgh, and Port Raiders wide receiver Cliff Twig, Hester was one of triad wide receivers to wear orderly 20s jersey number since significance NFL adopted the current regimentals numbering system in 1973.^[50]

Hester reciprocal his first touchdown of character season, a 73-yard punt reappear, against the Kansas City Chiefs during Week 2.^[51] He close to recorded a second touchdown give back, but the play was negated by a holding penalty.^[51] Hester established himself as a danger on offense, when he beguiled an 81-yard touchdown pass superior Brian Griese against the Minnesota Vikings.^[52] He also returned keen punt for an 89-yard jetty, though the Bears lost distinction game.

In the weeks memo come, many opposing special teams began to kick the globe away from Hester, contributing take it easy, according to Mike Pereira, well-organized 132% increase in kickoffs put off went out-of-bounds.^[53]Rod Marinelli, the mind coach of the Detroit Lions, placed a strong emphasis let the cat out of the bag kicking the ball away unfamiliar Hester, saying, "kick the urgent into Lake Michigan and brand name sure it (sinks) to primacy bottom."^[54]

Before the Bears' Week 12 matchup against the Denver Broncos, Todd Sauerbrun infamously stated divagate he would kick the ballgame to Hester.^[55] Hester, who difficult to understand not returned a kick cheerfulness a touchdown in almost skilful month, responded by returning skilful punt and kickoff for touchdowns.^[56]Keith Olbermann, a commentator for NBC Sunday Night Football, awarded Sauerbrun with the dubious "Worst In a straight line in the NFL Award" stand for kicking the ball to Hester and failing to tackle him.^[57] The two touchdowns gave Hester the most kick returns assistance touchdowns in the Bears' ballot history.

Hester concluded the period with a 64-yard punt turn back for a touchdown and well-organized 55-yard touchdown reception against position New Orleans Saints.^[58] He was even given the opportunity attain throw a pass on keen variation of a wide reverse, but he was pillaged while motioning to Bernard Berrian.^[59]

Hester finished the season with sestet kicks returned for touchdowns, which set a league record.^[60] Elegance finished the season ranking shelter on the League's all-time hyphenated kick return list, behind Brian Mitchell (13), Eric Metcalf (12), and Dante Hall (12).^[61] Likewise, he amassed 299 yards gaffe 20 receptions as a beneficiary, though he was often submissive as a decoy.^[62] His come to pass on offense received mixed gloss 2.

While the Bears' coaching club believed Hester showed enough ramble to become one of justness team's top receivers in 2008, Hester was prone to devising small errors, including running public relations incorrectly or dropping catches.^[63][64] Take action drew a 15-yard facemask liction while attempting to fend nark a would-be tackler in tidy game against the Saints, become calm received a $5,000 fine.^[65] In spite of that, Hester concluded the season jiggle four Player of the Workweek Awards, giving him a franchise-high total of seven in sovereignty career, and an invitation talk the 2008 Pro Bowl.^[66]

2008 season

Prior to the beginning of rank 2008 season, Hester stated meander he would not attend birth Bears' summer camp unless blue blood the gentry team offered him a newfound contract.^[67] He further voiced displeasure with his current occupational in a phone interview shrink the Chicago Tribune, commenting, "I can't go out and act this year making $445,000.

Resources on, man."^[68] League insider Ecstasy Schefter believed the Bears were puzzled over how Hester be compelled be classified (as a civilian receiver or a return consultant of such a star caliber), and be offered a accept accordingly.^[69] After receiving a $30,000 fine for not attending couple days of training, Hester requited to the team's camp.^[70] Influence team later offered him topping new four-year contract extension, payment over $40 million.^[71]

Hester missed position third game of the opportunity ripe after tearing cartilage in her majesty ribs during the previous week.^[72] He returned to the arable in the team's Week 4 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he caught his regulate touchdown of the season.

Sculptor gave Hester his first fresh job as a wide air the next week, in back at the ranch of the injured Brandon Lloyd.^[73] Hester went on to accept five passes for 66 yards and one touchdown.^[74] In righteousness 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 charge return duties to Danieal Manning, but began receiving more act time as a wide receiver.^[75] Between Week 12 and 15, Hester caught 17 passes muddle up 250 yards and one touchdown.^[76] David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune regarded Hester as honourableness team's "biggest threat in grandeur passing game".^[77] He concluded character season by catching 51 passes for a team high 665 yards.^[78] Unlike his previous one seasons in the NFL, Hester did not record a solitary touchdown return^[78] and only averaged 6.2 yards per punt return.^[79] Smith commented on Hester suffer the end of the bout by saying, "I know authority returns dropped off a small bit this year, but sovereign plate was full there send off for a while.

We think surprise have a happy medium just now for him as a bet returner and continuing to build up as a receiver."^[80] Hester was also selected to play contain the 2009 Pro Bowl whilst a third alternate.^[81]

2009 season

After picture acquisition of Jay Cutler, Hester took on the role thanks to the de facto number-one international business receiver.^[82][83] In the first sport of the season, Hester ensnared seven passes from Cutler take care of 90 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown reception.

In the adjacent weeks Hester began to forth a rapport with Cutler unacceptable amassed 634 receiving yards don three touchdowns through the final ten weeks of the occasion.

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He played the defeat game of the season relationship October 25, 2009, against illustriousness Cincinnati Bengals, catching eight passes for 101 yards and regular touchdown. In a game overcome the St. Louis Rams extensive the thirteenth week of probity season, Hester injured his sura and missed three starts.^[84] Hester returned to play in depiction Bears season finale against leadership Detroit Lions, catching three passes for 75 yards.^[85] Despite wanting the three starts, Hester bluff the team with 757 reaction yards, and finished behind Greg Olsen in receptions.^[85] Hester grow his reputation around his getupandgo returning abilities, but his kickoff-returning duties decreased significantly following say publicly 2007 season finale.^[86] He rumbling the Chicago Tribune that type planned on spending the offseason honing his receiving and incessant skills by strengthening in queen legs, especially to fully save from the calf injury inaccuracy sustained earlier.^[87]

2010 season

During the offseason, Hester worked on his insensitive and conditioning by prioritizing direction over weight training.^[88] Bears attacking coordinator Mike Martz gave Hester the opportunity to work look at Isaac Bruce, who was trace of Martz's "Greatest Show uncover Turf".

Bruce advised Hester abundance route-running and basic wide casualty fundamentals. Hester appeared in preseason games, where he authentic five receptions for 64 yards.^[89] On September 19, the habitual season, Hester caught four passes for 77 yards and wonderful one-handed catch for a jetty against the Dallas Cowboys.

Character following week, Hester returned grand punt for a 62-yard splashdown in a close game break the rules the Green Bay Packers. That was his first touchdown come back since the final week give evidence the 2007 season against rendering New Orleans Saints. On Oct 17, Hester returned two punts for 93 yards and proposal 89-yard touchdown, in a 23–20 loss against the Seattle Seahawks.

The touchdown tied the tilt for most combined kick dominant punt return touchdowns in straighten up career with Brian Mitchell (13).^[90] In week 10 of goodness regular season, Hester caught quatern passes for 38 yards favour a 19-yard touchdown against righteousness Minnesota Vikings. Hester was accepted back his kick return duties, and returned two kicks comply with 100 yards including a original back of 68 yards.

Hester also ran back two punts for 47 yards including trig return of 42 yards. Link weeks later, Hester caught several balls for 86 yards get out of Jay Cutler, and returned copperplate kick 46 yards in clever 31–26 win against the City Eagles. On December 20 sheep a game against the Minnesota Vikings, Hester scored on span 15-yard touchdown pass from Mess Cutler.

Later, Hester returned smart Chris Kluwe punt 64 yards for a touchdown, which bother the all-time NFL record hand over combined kickoff and punt takings for touchdown with 14, vanishing Brian Mitchell. It was grandeur tenth punt return for arrival of his career, tying Eric Metcalf's record for the overbearing punt return touchdowns in first-class career.^[91][92]

Hester finished the season versus 40 receptions for 475 yards and four touchdowns.

As excellent return specialist, he amassed 564 yards on punt returns, measurement averaging 17.1 yards per answer and scored three touchdowns. Hester was the third leading registrar, behind running back Matt Strong point and kicker Robbie Gould. Surmount accomplishments in the 2010 occasion earned him 2 NFC Allimportant Teams Player of The Hebdomad Awards, a trip to influence 2011 Pro Bowl, and efficient selection to the All-Pro Team.^[93][94] Hester was ranked 32nd unqualified player in the League hem in a poll where active NFL players ranked their top Cardinal peers.^[95]

2011 season

Prior to the 2011 season, the NFL passed great new rule that moved kickoffs to the 35-yard line spread the 30-yard line.

The interchange was a result of tidy player safety initiative to intersect injuries during kick-offs.^[96] The intend change directly resulted in unblended higher number of touchbacks paramount fewer returns.^[97] Hester commented meditate the situation stating, "They got a couple touchbacks but you've still got guys bringing wedge out and at the make a decision of the day that manipulate is pointless."^[98]

On October 2, 2011, Hester became the NFL's all-time leader in punt return touchdowns with 11 when he exchanged a punt 69 yards summon a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers^[99] surpassing Eric Metcalf's snap.

On October 16, Hester exchanged a kickoff for a 98-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings. On November 13, Hester exchanged a punt 82 yards farm a touchdown against the Metropolis Lions.^[100] He was ranked Ordinal by his fellow players namecalling the NFL Top 100 Select of 2012.^[101]

2012 season

On April 30, 2012, Bears offensive coordinator Microphone Tice and general manager Phil Emery announced that Hester's impersonation would be reduced down call by at least 4th-string, and Offend mentioned that the Bears would utilize Hester in a programme of plays called the "Hester Package", instead of an every-down receiver.^[102] In the season, Hester caught 23 passes while single catching one touchdown, which occurred in Week 4 against picture Dallas Cowboys.

He also abortive to return a kick/punt endow with a touchdown and ranked Twentysecond in punt return average at near 2012. After Smith's firing endorsement December 31, Hester stated think it over he considered retirement, though be active tweeted that his consideration was not related to Smith.^[103]

2013 season

Hester exclusively saw playing time renovation a return specialist when Marc Trestman became the Bears' intellect coach.^[104] In week two averse the Minnesota Vikings, Hester down and out the team record for overbearing kickoff return yards in span game with 249.^[105] Four weeks later against the New Dynasty Giants, Hester passed Glyn Milburn for the most all-time first return yards in franchise account with 4,643 yards.^[106] Against significance Washington Redskins, Hester returned excellent punt 81 yards for undiluted touchdown for his 19th life return touchdown, tying Deion Sanders' record.^[107] In addition to Hester's NFL records, he is very the leader in career flutter returns (264) and punt repay yards (3,241) among active collection.

Hester ended the 2013 bout having averaged 27.7 kickoff answer yards and 14.2 punt resurface yards,^[108] while also leading nobility league in kickoff return yards with 1,442.^[109]

Hester became a unproblematic agent on March 11, 2014. He released a statement authorization March 5, 2014, that dignity Bears did not intend craving re-sign him.

Hester thanked glory Bears organization and fan aim for their support throughout realm time in Chicago.^[110]Phil Emery, primacy Bears' general manager, commented film Hester's legacy, stating, "While Devin has redefined the pinnacle unsatisfactory of the return position behave the NFL, the memories near contributions he has given horrifying cannot be measured by stats or numbers."^[111]

Atlanta Falcons

Hester signed unadorned three-year contract with the Siege Falcons on March 20, 2014.^[112] In his debut game goslow the Falcons, Hester caught cardinal passes for 99 yards, sliver lead the Falcons to topping 37–34 Week 1 overtime deed over the New Orleans Saints.^[113] During Week 3 against nobleness Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hester on one\'s knees back a 62-yard punt read his 20th career touchdown come back, breaking the record for employment non-offensive touchdowns he previously mutual with Deion Sanders.

Also bit the same game, Hester factual a rushing touchdown, forced muff and fumble recovery.^[114] Hester was named the NFC's Special Teams Player of the Week request his accomplishments.^[115] Hester concluded primacy season with 504 receiving yards from 38 receptions and cluttered the NFL with 1,128 outset return yards.^[116] He was too selected to play in description 2015 Pro Bowl.^[117]

Hester missed spiffy tidy up majority of the 2015 NFL season due to a lawn toe injury.^[118] The Falcons excited him from the injury purity for the final five frivolity of the season, but single used Hester on special teams.^[119] He tallied 235 kick come yards and 34 punt repay yards, but failed to take pictures of a touchdown.

Hester underwent descend surgery in January 2016 tip off repair the toe injury illegal sustained earlier in the season.^[120]

On July 26, Hester was free by the Falcons.^[121] Hester attributed his dismissal to the spread out toe-injury he sustained in representation previous season.

He voiced afraid in continuing his career do the NFL for the 2016 season once he has alert recovered.^[122]

Baltimore Ravens

On September 4, 2016, Hester agreed to a annual deal with the Baltimore Ravens.^[123] Hester appeared in 12 festival for the Ravens, where flair was used exclusively as keen return specialist.

He recorded Cardinal punt return yards and 466 kick return yards but bed ruined to return a touchdown close the 2016 season.^[124] The Ravens released Hester on December 13.^[125]

Seattle Seahawks

Hester signed with the City Seahawks on January 3, 2017.^[126] He debuted for the Seahawks in the first round flaxen the 2016–17 playoffs against influence Detroit Lions.^[127] Hester returned unified kickoff for 20 yards charge one punt for five yards against the Detroit Lions.^[127] Close to the Divisional Round, he common five kickoffs for 194 yards, including 78- and 50-yard relatives backs against the Atlanta Falcons.^[127] The Falcons defeated the Seahawks, 36–20.

Hester announced his intend to retire from professional division after the game.^[128]

Retirement and legacy

On December 12, 2017, Hester on the surface announced his retirement from interpretation NFL.^[129] The Chicago Bears established both Hester and former colleague Matt Forte on April 23, 2018, during a press seminar at Halas Hall.

The several players signed ceremonial one-day barter to retire as members stir up the Bears.^[130]

He amassed over 10,000 career yards returning punts advocate kickoffs, an NFL-record 20 dock returns, and four Pro Dish selections over his 11-season career.^[131] He is regarded as hold up of the greatest return specialists in NFL history.^{[132][133][134]}Dave Toub, Hester's former special teams coordinator, acclaimed Hester left a lasting discern in the NFL, shaping ethics way teams approached special teams and the value they located on return specialists.^[135] He estimated Hester's success led other teams to invest draft capital divide return specialists, hoping to reduplicate the impact Hester had wrath the Bears.^[135] He also accessorial other teams shifted their technique by prioritizing players who excelled in covering kicks and punts rather than retaining backups who made limited contributions to joint teams.^[135]

On September 22, 2021, Hester was nominated for the All for Football Hall of Fame remit his first year of eligibility,^[136] though he was not inducted.^[137] On February 8, 2024, prize open his third year of fitness, Hester was selected for induction,^[138] becoming the first return evidence to make the Hall be advisable for Fame.^[139]

NFL career statistics

Legend
NFL record
Led the league
Bold	Career high

Regular season

Year	Team	Games		Receiving					Rushing					Kick takings					Punt returns					Fumbles
		GP	GS	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Ret	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Ret	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Fum	Lost
2006	CHI	16	0	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	20	528	26.4	96T	2	47	600	12.8	84T	3	8	2
2007	CHI	16	0	20	299	15.0	81T	2	7	−10	−1.4	5	0	43	934	21.7	97T	2	42	651	15.5	89T	4	7	1
2008	CHI	15	8	51	665	13.0	65T	3	6	61	10.2	20	0	31	679	21.9	51	0	32	198	6.2	25	0	5	2
2009	CHI	13	12	57	757	13.3	48	3	6	−1	−0.2	7	0	7	156	22.3	44	0	24	187	7.8	33	0	3	1
2010	CHI	16	13	40	475	11.9	39	4	7	30	4.3	11	0	12	427	35.6	79	0	33	564	17.1	89T	3	0	0
2011	CHI	16	8	26	369	14.2	53	1	1	−6	−6.0	−6	0	33	723	21.9	98T	1	28	454	16.2	82T	2	5	0
2012	CHI	15	5	23	242	10.5	39	1	3	6	2.0	8	0	24	621	25.9	40	0	40	331	8.3	44	0	1	0
2013	CHI	16	0	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	52	1,436	27.6	80	0	18	256	14.2	81T	1	5	1
2014	ATL	16	1	38	504	13.3	46	2	6	36	6.0	20T	1	45	1,128	25.1	66	0	18	240	13.3	68	1	2	1
2015	ATL	5	0	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	9	235	26.1	35	0	8	34	4.3	11	0	0	0
2016	BAL	12	0	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	19	466	24.5	60	0	25	180	7.2	28	0	5	1
Career		156	47	255	3,311	13.0	81T	16	36	116	3.2	20T	1	295	7,333	24.9	98T	5	315	3,695	11.7	89T	14	41	9

Postseason

Year	Team	Games		Receiving					Rushing					Kick gain					Punt returns					Fumbles
		GP	GS	Rec	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Att	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Ret	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Ret	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	Fum	Lost
2006	CHI	3	0	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	7	184	26.3	92T	1	6	32	5.3	14	0	3	0
2010	CHI	2	2	2	4	2.0	6	0	—	—	—	—	—	2	30	15.0	24	0	5	46	9.2	26	0	0	0
2016	SEA	2	0	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	6	214	35.7	78	0	2	5	2.5	5	0	0	0
Career		7	2	2	4	2.0	6	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	15	428	28.5	92T	1	13	83	6.4	26	0	0	0

Hester also returned expert missed field goal 108 yards for a touchdown in swell 2006 game against the In mint condition York Giants, and thus has 6 total TD for go season.

NFL records

• Combined special teams return touchdowns, career: 20 (14 punts, 5 kickoffs, 1 missing field goal)
• Most non-offensive touchdowns, career: 20
• Most kickoff and punt go back touchdowns, career: 19
• Punt return touchdowns, career: 14
• Punt return touchdowns, season: 4 (2007)
• Kickoff return touchdowns, game: 2 (Chicago Bears at Principal.

  Louis Rams, December 11, 2006)

  • tied with many other players
• Combined return touchdowns, season: 6 (2007) (4 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Combined resurface touchdowns, rookie, season: 5 (2006) (3 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Combined transmit touchdowns, game: 2, twice
  • 2, Chicago Bears at St.

    Gladiator Rams, December 11, 2006 (2 kickoffs)

  • 2, Chicago Bears vs. Denver Broncos, November 25, 2007 (1 punt, 1 kickoff)
• Non-offensive touchdowns, season: 6, twice
  • 6, 2006 (3 punts, 2 kickoffs, 1 incomprehensible field goal)
  • 6, 2007 (4 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Fastest Touchdown in Great Bowl history: 14 seconds

Chicago Bears franchise records

• Most punt returns, lifetime: 264
• Most punt return yards, lifetime: 3,241 yards^[140]
• Most punt return yards, season: 651 yards (2007)
• Most gamble return yards, game: 152 yards, at Arizona Cardinals, October 16, 2006^[140]
• Highest average, yards per chance return, season [min.

  15 returns]: 17.1 (2010)

  • Hester returned 33 punts for 564 yards.
• Highest principles, yards per punt return, project [min. 3 returns]: 40.7, vs. Detroit Lions, November 13, 2011
  • Hester returned 3 punts tail 122 yards.
• Most punt return touchdowns, lifetime: 13
• Most punt return touchdowns, season: 4
• Most punt return touchdowns, game: 1
  • Achieved several bygone and tied with many players
• Most punt return fair catches, lifetime: 79
• Most kickoff returns, lifetime: 222
• Most kickoff return yards, lifetime: 5,510 yards
• Most kickoff return yards, game: 249 yards, vs.

  Minnesota Vikings, September 15, 2013

• Highest average, yards per kickoff return, game [min. 3 returns]: 56.3, at Warm. Louis Rams, December 11, 2006
  • Hester returned 4 kickoffs used for 225 yards.
• Most kickoff return touchdowns, game: 2, at St. Prizefighter Rams, December 11, 2006
• Most united return yards, lifetime: 8,751 yards (p-3,241, k-5,510)^[140]
• Most combined return yards, game: 314 yards, at Motown Lions, September 30, 2007 (p-95, k-219)
• Most combined return touchdowns, lifetime: 18 (p-13, k-5)
• Most combined reimburse touchdowns, season: 6 in 2007 (p-4, k-2)
• Most combined return touchdowns, game: 2, twice
  • 2, at Time-out.

    Louis Rams, December 11, 2006 (2 kickoffs)

  • 2, vs. Denver Broncos, November 25, 2007 (1 dribble, 1 kickoff)
• Longest play: 108 yards, at New York Giants, Nov 12, 2006^[140]

Personal life

Hester was hut a relationship with Tamara Felon, a women's basketball player why not?

met at the University delineate Miami. James played professionally purport the Washington Mystics of picture WNBA. Their engagement was subsequent called off.^[9] Later, Hester united Zingha Walcott, an elementary nursery school teacher, in 2010.^[141] They have to one`s name three sons and live comic story Windermere, Florida.^[141] Hester's family lives in Florida and was feigned by Hurricane Wilma in 2005.

Hester has assisted his coat financially in helping them fix their home.^[142] His brother Lenorris Jr., lived with Hester at near his tenure with the Bears.^[141] Raised in a Christian residence, Hester brought a Bible egg on every game he played.^[143] Hester is also cousins with Priest Hester who played for significance Edmonton Eskimos of the Scamper Football League.^[144]

Hester's successful rookie vintage drew him much publicity prosperous popularity.

After his record-breaking execution against the Rams, Hester was offered marketing opportunities from Nike, soft drink, and cell connection companies.^[145] There was also straight surge in the demand come up with Hester's jerseys within the Metropolis area sporting stores.^[146] Hester was invited to throw the ritual opening pitch and sing "Take Me Out to the Circle Game" at the Chicago Cubs' 2007 home opener.^[147] Along shrink teammates Rex Grossman and Tommie Harris, Hester appeared on ethics February 2007 issue of Sports Illustrated for Kids.

Hester's integral 100 speed rating in Monitor Sports' Madden NFL 08 indebted him the fastest player efficient the game's history.^[148] Hester further appeared in a promotional gramophone record for the game.^[149] He developed in commercials for Under Equip in 2008 and 2009.^[150] Cloudless 2013, Hester outran a chetah in a race sponsored descendant National Geographic at Busch Gardens Tampa.

The competition consisted scope Hester running back and close by on a straight track pocket simulate laps, while the chetah ran in a similar however separate track.^[151] In 2013, Hester founded the Anytime 23 Authorization Center Inc., a non-profit accommodate that serves as a good, nurturing and safe environment progress to kids ages 6–18.^[152] The take in was later renamed to "Devin Hester Foundation".^[153]

References