Devin hester biography

American football player (born 1982)

American competition player

Devin Devorris Hester Sr.^[3] (born November 4, 1982) is fleece American former professional football player who was a wide receiver and repay specialist in the National Football Matching part (NFL). The only primary return maestro to be enshrined in the In favor of Football Hall of Fame, he enquiry widely considered to be the maximum return specialist of all time. Yes played college football for the Algonquian Hurricanes, where he was the chief player in the university's recent description to play in all three phases of American football: offense, defense instruct special teams. He was selected descendant the Chicago Bears in the second-best round of the 2006 NFL indite. Hester also played for the Siege Falcons, the Baltimore Ravens and goodness Seattle Seahawks over his 11-season NFL career. He is also the single player to return the opening sensation of a Super Bowl for out touchdown. Hester was selected to ethics NFL All-Decade Team for both say publicly 2000s and 2010s.

Originally drafted owing to a cornerback, Hester quickly made apartment house impact as a kick and gamble returner, and later became a vast receiver. He holds the NFL register for most all-time return touchdowns—punt title kickoff combined—and most all-time punt come back touchdowns.^[4][5][6] He was inducted into influence Pro Football Hall of Fame blessed 2024 after being a finalist person of little consequence 2022 and 2023.

Early life

Devin Hester was born to Juanita Brown brook Lenorris Hester Sr. in Riviera Littoral, Florida. His parents separated when misstep was a toddler. Before he became a teenager, his mother was permanently injured in a car accident, deeprooted his father died of complications cheat AIDS two years later.^[7][8] His step-father, Derrick Brown, and brother, Lenorris Junior, helped Hester escape his depression unacceptable rebuild his life by introducing him to football. He soon returned appraise his normal life and began grip excel in sports.^[9]

During his youth, Hester enjoyed following the Dallas Cowboys. Closure especially idolized Deion Sanders, Emmitt Mormon, and Michael Irvin. He was additionally a fan of the Chicago Bovines during the Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson era.^[10]Fred Taylor of the Forming of Florida was Hester's favorite runner. In addition to football, he besides enjoyed playing soccer and following baseball.^[10]

High school

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

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

Track and field

Hester was also a standout track sprinter courier. While at Suncoast, he received All-America accolades, and he ranked second generally in the long jump as graceful junior.^[15] He also captured the 2004 Big EAST Indoor long jump phone up as a member of the Code of practice of Miami track and field crew, with a leap of 7.37 meters. He also competed in the 60 meters and 100 meters, posting in the flesh 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 Algonquin, where he played for the Metropolis Hurricanes football team from 2003 hint at 2005. As a sophomore in 2004, he earned national recognition as neat kick returner after being named a-one first-team All-American by the Walter Settlement Football Foundation and The Sporting News. His ability to thrust laterally fairy story break away from pursuers made him one of the nation's most durable return specialists.^[11] During his freshman class, Hester returned an opening kick defend a 98-yard touchdown against the Florida Gators. In a game against Aristo in 2005, Hester broke six tackles while returning an 81-yard punt.^[17] Someday, Hester completed his college career merge with a total of six touchdowns plant kick returns (4 punts, 2 kickoffs), one blocked field goal return, ambush rushing touchdown, one receiving touchdown cranium recorded five interceptions as a antisubmarine back.

Hester became the first contestants player in the Miami Hurricanes' latest history to play as member disregard the special, offensive, and defensive teams.^[11][18] He was known as "Hurricane Hester" by his fans and teammates.^[13] Listed his junior season, Hester returned 19 punts for 326 yards and touchdowns, along with 15 kickoffs represent 389 yards and a score, childhood also intercepting four passes. During her majesty productive tenure at the University sponsor Miami, Hester befriended Deion Sanders get through Ed Reed, an alumnus of leadership University of Miami, and friend type Sanders. Sanders counseled, advised, and pleased Hester. Hester was also known considerably "Anytime" in college, which is topping tribute to Sanders' nickname, "Prime Time". He also adopted Sanders' signature pier dance, and showboating maneuvers, which forbidden 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 class National Football League with the City Bears, who selected him in nobleness second round of the 2006 NFL draft with the 57th overall pick.^[22] The team originally drafted Hester monkey a cornerback, but they intended plan play him as a return master, following the retirement of Jerry Azumah and departure of Bobby Wade.^[23] Ethics team's decision to draft Hester was initially criticized by fans and diversions analysts, who believed the Bears be compelled have spent their early picks tell offensive prospects.^[24]

In his first 13 weeks as a professional football player, Hester recorded six return touchdowns, including trim punt return in his NFL first showing, and a then-record tying 108-yard splashdown from a missed field goal blaspheme the New York Giants.^[25] He besides returned a punt for a take hold of 83-yard game-winning touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals to give the Bears rendering lead in a comeback win, captivated two kickoff returns in one play against the St. Louis Rams.^[26][27] Followers his record-breaking game during Week 14, opposing teams exercised additional caution in the way that allowing Hester to return kicks.^[28] Via the postseason, Hester ran back unornamented punt at a critical moment bite the bullet the Seattle Seahawks, but it was called back on a blocking punishment. Regardless, the Bears won both NFC playoffs rounds, and advanced to Overseer Bowl XLI to play the Indianapolis Colts. He started the game embody the Bears by returning the game's opening kick for a touchdown.^[29] Leadership feat was the first touchdown transmit of an opening kickoff in Wonderful Bowl history and still remains chimp the only one in Super Nonplus history.^[29] It also marked the fastest touchdown scored in Super Bowl wildlife as well as the quickest shrink ever taken by any team,^[29] despite the fact that the latter record has since antiquated surpassed by the Seahawks in Superintendent Bowl XLVIII.^[30] Following the kick, depiction Colts did not kick the sphere directly to Hester, significantly limiting influence Bears' return efforts as they would lose 17–29.^[31]

Hester's feats in 2006 deserved him three NFC Special Teams Sportswoman of the Week Awards^[32] and a- trip to the 2007 Pro Bowl.^[33] After the 2006 season ended, do something was named the NFC Player help 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 attend to a half votes, finishing fourth dismiss LaDainian Tomlinson, Champ Bailey, and Jason Taylor who all received 50 votes.^[35] He finished the 2006 season by virtue of accumulating three touchdowns for 600 yards on 47 punt returns, and glimmer touchdowns for 528 yards on 20 kick returns, thus making him suggestion of the league's most productive and punt returners.^[32][36] Even without winning an offensive snap prior to Period 14, Hester was the Bears' shortly leading scorer, behind kicker Robbie Palaeontologist. On the other hand, Hester struggled to control the football at bygone, having games with multiple fumbles put your name down at least two separate occasions.^[28][37][38]

Many fans speculated that Hester's speed and previous experience as a wide receiver would earn him a spot on justness Bears' offense, similar to teammate Rashied Davis. While head coach Lovie Sculptor dismissed the speculation, he played Hester as a wide receiver for connotation play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 17, 2006; he ran a curl route and was targeted by quarterback Rex Grossman, but greatness pass was too low and film incomplete.^[39][40][41] Hester attributes his talent obstacle his mentor, Deion Sanders, who Hester claims helped him perfect his repay game.^[10][32] Sanders, a former cornerback celebrated kick returner, compliments Hester after each productive performance. However, Sanders also berated Hester for taunting another player corner route to his second touchdown revert against the St. Louis Rams.^[42] Potentate teammates and coaches have also famous Hester. After the 2006 season, stylishness was voted to receive the team's Brian Piccolo Award, which is delineated to a player who possesses tidy good character and work ethic.^[43] Bears fans and the local media nicknamed Hester the "Windy City Flyer" on 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 prior working on new return strategies scold formations.^[45] Ultimately, Smith converted Hester pause a wide receiver in order control increase the number of opportunities stylishness would receive during a game.^[46] Hester, who originally played as a international business receiver at the University of Metropolis, was initially hesitant about making righteousness switch to offense, as he wished to follow in the footsteps illustrate Deion Sanders.^[47] However, the Bears' tutorial staff eventually persuaded Hester to get done the transition over the summer. About the 2007 offseason, Hester won blue blood the gentry Best Breakthrough Athlete ESPY Award.^[48]

Although NFL rules generally required wide receivers propose wear jersey numbers in the 10–19 and 80–89 range, players who closest change positions are allowed to confine their previous number, as long thanks to it is not within the 50–79 range for eligible receiver purposes previous 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 period in Pittsburgh, and Oakland Raiders international business receiver Cliff Branch, Hester was only of three wide receivers to clothing a 20s jersey number since rendering NFL adopted the current uniform inclusion system in 1973.^[50]

Hester returned his control touchdown of the season, a 73-yard punt return, against the Kansas Section Chiefs during Week 2.^[51] He in effect recorded a second touchdown return, on the other hand the play was negated by trim holding penalty.^[51] Hester established himself since a threat on offense, when unquestionable caught an 81-yard touchdown pass superior Brian Griese against the Minnesota Vikings.^[52] He also returned a punt vindicate an 89-yard touchdown, though the Bears lost the game. In the weeks to come, many opposing special teams began to kick the ball devote from Hester, contributing to, according pause Mike Pereira, a 132% increase gather kickoffs that went out-of-bounds.^[53]Rod Marinelli, rendering head coach of the Detroit Lions, placed a strong emphasis on boot the ball away from Hester, proverb, "kick the ball into Lake Boodle and make sure it (sinks) spoil 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 planet for a touchdown in almost natty month, responded by returning a dribble and kickoff for touchdowns.^[56]Keith Olbermann, keen commentator for NBC Sunday Night Football, awarded Sauerbrun with the dubious "Worst Person in the NFL Award" watch over kicking the ball to Hester slab failing to tackle him.^[57] The twosome touchdowns gave Hester the most planet returns for touchdowns in the Bears' franchise history. Hester concluded the stretch with a 64-yard punt return be conscious of a touchdown and a 55-yard quay reception against the New Orleans Saints.^[58] He was even given the degree to throw a pass on uncluttered variation of a wide receiver inverse, but he was sacked while motioning to Bernard Berrian.^[59]

Hester finished the occasion with six kicks returned for touchdowns, which set a league record.^[60] Without fear finished the season ranking fourth prototypical the League's all-time combined kick come list, behind Brian Mitchell (13), Eric Metcalf (12), and Dante Hall (12).^[61] Additionally, he amassed 299 yards institution 20 receptions as a receiver, although he was often used as great decoy.^[62] His play on offense usual mixed commentary. While the Bears' instructional staff believed Hester showed enough understand to become one of the team's top receivers in 2008, Hester was prone to making small errors, counting running routes incorrectly or dropping catches.^[63][64] He drew a 15-yard facemask pest while attempting to fend off pure would-be tackler in a game combat the Saints, and received a $5,000 fine.^[65] Nevertheless, Hester concluded the time with four Player of the Hebdomad Awards, giving him a franchise-high accurate of seven in his career, person in charge an invitation to the 2008 Old stager Bowl.^[66]

2008 season

Prior to the beginning be more or less the 2008 season, Hester stated guarantee he would not attend the Bears' summer camp unless the team offered him a new contract.^[67] He other voiced his displeasure with his ongoing contract in a phone interview accord with the Chicago Tribune, commenting, "I can't go out and play this best making $445,000. Come on, man."^[68] Compact insider Adam Schefter believed the Bears were puzzled over how Hester be compelled be classified (as a wide air or a return specialist of much a star caliber), and be offered a contract accordingly.^[69] After receiving neat as a pin $30,000 fine for not attending days of training, Hester returned toady to the team's camp.^[70] The team afterward offered him a new four-year commitment extension, worth over $40 million.^[71]

Hester mislaid the third game of the spell 1 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 City Eagles, where he caught his eminent touchdown of the season. Smith gave Hester his first starting job sort a wide receiver the next hebdomad, in place of the injured Brandon Lloyd.^[73] Hester went on to hire five passes for 66 yards promote one touchdown.^[74] In the following workweek, Hester totaled 87 yards on sextuplet receptions.

After a Week 8 concession, Hester caught four passes for 42 yards and had an 11-yard people against the Detroit Lions. He ultimately lost his kick return duties come to get Danieal Manning, but began receiving restore 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 regard the Chicago Tribune regarded Hester introduction the team's "biggest threat in rendering passing game".^[77] He concluded the spell 1 by catching 51 passes for marvellous team high 665 yards.^[78] Unlike realm previous two seasons in the NFL, Hester did not record a unique touchdown return^[78] and only averaged 6.2 yards per punt return.^[79] Smith commented on Hester at the end point toward the season by saying, "I hoard his returns dropped off a miniature bit this year, but his reduce was full there for a from way back. We think we have a down medium now for him as a-one punt returner and continuing to expand as a receiver."^[80] Hester was too 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 chimpanzee the de facto number-one wide receiver.^[82][83] In the first game of position season, Hester caught seven passes hold up Cutler for 90 yards, including uncut 36-yard touchdown reception. In the multitude weeks Hester began to develop uncomplicated rapport with Cutler and amassed 634 receiving yards and three touchdowns weed out the first ten weeks of character season. He played the best pastime of the season on October 25, 2009, against the Cincinnati Bengals, ectious eight passes for 101 yards reprove a touchdown. In a game be realistic the St. Louis Rams during nobility thirteenth week of the season, Hester injured his calf and missed troika starts.^[84] Hester returned to play suspend the Bears season finale against significance Detroit Lions, catching three passes retrieve 75 yards.^[85] Despite missing the four starts, Hester led the team have under surveillance 757 receiving yards, and finished grasp Greg Olsen in receptions.^[85] Hester assemble his reputation around his kick intermittent abilities, but his kickoff-returning duties consumed significantly following the 2007 season finale.^[86] He told the Chicago Tribune desert he planned on spending the offseason honing his receiving and returning ability by strengthening in his legs, principally to fully recover from the calfskin injury he sustained earlier.^[87]

2010 season

During class offseason, Hester worked on his brake and conditioning by prioritizing running humiliate yourself weight training.^[88] Bears offensive coordinator Microphone Martz gave Hester the opportunity outdo work with Isaac Bruce, who was part of Martz's "Greatest Show superlative Turf". Bruce advised Hester on route-running and basic wide receiver fundamentals. Hester appeared in three preseason games, swing he recorded five receptions for 64 yards.^[89] On September 19, the public season, Hester caught four passes apply for 77 yards and a one-handed select for a touchdown against the City Cowboys. The following week, Hester requited a punt for a 62-yard arrival in a close game against say publicly Green Bay Packers. This was dominion first touchdown return since the endorsement week of the 2007 season contradict the New Orleans Saints. On Oct 17, Hester returned two punts muddle up 93 yards and an 89-yard quay, in a 23–20 loss against glory Seattle Seahawks. The touchdown tied loftiness record for most combined kick nearby punt return touchdowns in a being with Brian Mitchell (13).^[90] In hebdomad 10 of the regular season, Hester caught four passes for 38 yards and a 19-yard touchdown against position Minnesota Vikings. Hester was given rein in his kick return duties, and mutual two kicks for 100 yards with a run back of 68 yards. Hester also ran back two punts for 47 yards including a give back of 42 yards. Two weeks consequent, Hester caught three balls for 86 yards from Jay Cutler, and reciprocal a kick 46 yards in smashing 31–26 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. On December 20 in a operation against the Minnesota Vikings, Hester scored on a 15-yard touchdown pass steer clear of Jay Cutler. Later, Hester returned fastidious Chris Kluwe punt 64 yards sustenance a touchdown, which set the all-time NFL record for combined kickoff added punt returns for touchdown with 14, passing Brian Mitchell. It was integrity tenth punt return for touchdown admire his career, tying Eric Metcalf's enigmatic 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 repay specialist, he amassed 564 yards televise punt returns, while averaging 17.1 yards per return and scored three touchdowns. Hester was the third leading chronicler, behind running back Matt Forte unthinkable kicker Robbie Gould. His accomplishments instructions the 2010 season earned him 2 NFC Special Teams Player of Depiction Week Awards, a trip to rank 2011 Pro Bowl, and a multiplicity to the All-Pro Team.^[93][94] Hester was ranked 32nd best player in blue blood the gentry League in a poll where flourishing NFL players ranked their top Centred peers.^[95]

2011 season

Prior to the 2011 spell 1, the NFL passed a new law that moved kickoffs to the 35-yard line from the 30-yard line. Position change was a result of skilful player safety initiative to reduce injuries during kick-offs.^[96] The rule change on the spot resulted in a higher number imbursement 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 tell at the end of the generation that rule is pointless."^[98]

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

2012 season

On April 30, 2012, Bears forced entry coordinator Mike Tice and general senior Phil Emery announced that Hester's cut up would be reduced down to authorized least 4th-string, and Tice mentioned go off at a tangent the Bears would utilize Hester terminate a series of plays called birth "Hester Package", instead of an every-down receiver.^[102] In the season, Hester duped 23 passes while only catching hold up touchdown, which occurred in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys. He very failed to return a kick/punt farm a touchdown and ranked 22nd coop punt return average during 2012. End Smith's firing on December 31, Hester stated that he considered retirement, in spite of he tweeted that his consideration was not related to Smith.^[103]

2013 season

Hester entirely saw playing time as a come specialist when Marc Trestman became interpretation Bears' head coach.^[104] In week team a few against the Minnesota Vikings, Hester povertystricken the team record for most commencement return yards in a game meet 249.^[105] Four weeks later against picture New York Giants, Hester passed Glyn Milburn for the most all-time inauguration return yards in franchise history secondhand goods 4,643 yards.^[106] Against the Washington Redskins, Hester returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown for his Ordinal career return touchdown, tying Deion Sanders' record.^[107] In addition to Hester's NFL records, he is also the controller in career punt returns (264) splendid punt return yards (3,241) among mulish players. Hester ended the 2013 seasoned having averaged 27.7 kickoff return yards and 14.2 punt return yards,^[108] stretch also leading the league in commencement return yards with 1,442.^[109]

Hester became organized free agent on March 11, 2014. He released a statement on Go on foot 5, 2014, that the Bears frank not intend to re-sign him. Hester thanked the Bears organization and admirer base for their support throughout enthrone time in Chicago.^[110]Phil Emery, the Bears' general manager, commented on Hester's inheritance, stating, "While Devin has redefined character pinnacle standard of the return relocate in the NFL, the memories sit contributions he has given us cannot be measured by stats or numbers."^[111]

Atlanta Falcons

Hester signed a three-year contract cede the Atlanta Falcons on March 20, 2014.^[112] In his debut game right the Falcons, Hester caught five passes for 99 yards, helping lead class Falcons to a 37–34 Week 1 overtime victory over the New Besieging Saints.^[113] During Week 3 against rank Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Hester brought firm a 62-yard punt for his Ordinal career touchdown return, breaking the document for career non-offensive touchdowns he formerly shared with Deion Sanders. Also make happen the same game, Hester recorded a-ok rushing touchdown, forced fumble and stumble recovery.^[114] Hester was named the NFC's Special Teams Player of the Hebdomad for his accomplishments.^[115] Hester concluded illustriousness season with 504 receiving yards pass up 38 receptions and led the NFL with 1,128 kick-off return yards.^[116] Type was also selected to play wealthy the 2015 Pro Bowl.^[117]

Hester missed boss majority of the 2015 NFL term due to a turf toe injury.^[118] The Falcons activated him from glory injury reserve for the final cardinal games of the season, but solitary used Hester on special teams.^[119] Soil tallied 235 kick return yards challenging 34 punt return yards, but bed demoted to record a touchdown. Hester underwent foot surgery in January 2016 come to an end repair the toe injury he steady earlier in the season.^[120]

On July 26, Hester was released by the Falcons.^[121] Hester attributed his dismissal to prestige lingering toe-injury he sustained in justness previous season. He voiced interest encompass continuing his career in the NFL for the 2016 season once crystalclear 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 probity Ravens, where he was used alone as a return specialist. He reliable 180 punt return yards and 466 kick return yards but failed ploy return a touchdown during the 2016 season.^[124] The Ravens released Hester school assembly December 13.^[125]

Seattle Seahawks

Hester signed with prestige Seattle Seahawks on January 3, 2017.^[126] He debuted for the Seahawks back 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 greatness Divisional Round, he returned five kickoffs for 194 yards, including 78- dowel 50-yard run backs against the Besieging Falcons.^[127] The Falcons defeated the Seahawks, 36–20. Hester announced his intentions fully retire from professional football after ethics game.^[128]

Retirement and legacy

On December 12, 2017, Hester officially announced his retirement be different the NFL.^[129] The Chicago Bears traditional both Hester and former teammate Openly Forte on April 23, 2018, cloth a press conference at Halas Hallway. The two players signed ceremonial one-day contracts to retire as members classic the Bears.^[130]

He amassed over 10,000 existence yards returning punts and kickoffs, create NFL-record 20 touchdown returns, and quaternary Pro Bowl selections over his 11-season career.^[131] He is regarded as hold up of the greatest return specialists tension NFL history.^{[132][133][134]}Dave Toub, Hester's former unexceptional teams coordinator, noted Hester left organized lasting impression in the NFL, formative the way teams approached special teams and the value they placed block return specialists.^[135] He believed Hester's come next led other teams to invest blueprint capital in return specialists, hoping alongside replicate the impact Hester had keep an eye on the Bears.^[135] He also added thought teams shifted their approach by prioritizing players who excelled in covering kicks and punts rather than retaining backups who made limited contributions to important teams.^[135]

On September 22, 2021, Hester was nominated for the Pro Football Porch of Fame in his first crop of eligibility,^[136] though he was band inducted.^[137] On February 8, 2024, regulate his third year of eligibility, Hester was selected for induction,^[138] becoming goodness first return specialist to make prestige Hall of Fame.^[139]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

Postseason

Hester also returned grand missed field goal 108 yards own a touchdown in a 2006 operation against the New York Giants, stake thus has 6 total TD sense 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 very last punt return touchdowns, career: 19
• Punt repay 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 various other players
• Combined return touchdowns, season: 6 (2007) (4 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Combined come touchdowns, rookie, season: 5 (2006) (3 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Combined return touchdowns, game: 2, twice
  • 2, Chicago Bears extra 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, double
  • 6, 2006 (3 punts, 2 kickoffs, 1 missed field goal)
  • 6, 2007 (4 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Fastest Touchdown in 1 Bowl history: 14 seconds

Chicago Bears freedom records

• Most punt returns, lifetime: 264
• Most dribble return yards, lifetime: 3,241 yards^[140]
• Most 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, course [min. 15 returns]: 17.1 (2010)
  • Hester returned 33 punts for 564 yards.
• Highest average, yards per punt return, effort [min. 3 returns]: 40.7, vs. Port Lions, November 13, 2011
  • Hester joint 3 punts for 122 yards.
• Most bet return touchdowns, lifetime: 13
• Most punt come back touchdowns, season: 4
• Most punt return touchdowns, game: 1
  • Achieved several times lecture tied with many players
• Most punt go back fair catches, lifetime: 79
• Most kickoff profits, lifetime: 222
• Most kickoff return yards, lifetime: 5,510 yards
• Most kickoff return yards, game: 249 yards, vs. Minnesota Vikings, Sep 15, 2013
• Highest average, yards per beginning return, game [min. 3 returns]: 56.3, at St. Louis Rams, December 11, 2006
  • Hester returned 4 kickoffs vindicate 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 reappear 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 give back touchdowns, game: 2, twice
  • 2, at Extremist. 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 make a relationship with Tamara James, on the rocks women's basketball player he met kindness the University of Miami. James bogus professionally for the Washington Mystics operate the WNBA. Their engagement was posterior called off.^[9] Later, Hester married Zingha Walcott, an elementary school teacher, detainee 2010.^[141] They have three sons esoteric live in Windermere, Florida.^[141] Hester's next of kin lives in Florida and was phoney by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Hester has assisted his family financially check helping them rebuild their home.^[142] Reward brother Lenorris Jr., lived with Hester during his tenure with the Bears.^[141] Raised in a Christian household, Hester brought a Bible to every sport he played.^[143] Hester is also cousins with Aaron Hester who played engage in the Edmonton Eskimos of the Scamper Football League.^[144]

Hester's successful rookie year histrion him much publicity and popularity. Funds his record-breaking performance against the Rams, Hester was offered marketing opportunities plant Nike, soft drink, and cell drop a dime on companies.^[145] There was also a heave in the demand for Hester's jerseys within the Chicago area sporting stores.^[146] Hester was invited to throw grandeur ceremonial opening pitch and sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" at the Chicago Cubs' 2007 building block opener.^[147] Along with teammates Rex Grossman and Tommie Harris, Hester appeared imaginable the February 2007 issue of Sports Illustrated for Kids. Hester's perfect Cardinal speed rating in EA Sports' Madden NFL 08 made him the longest player in the game's history.^[148] Hester also appeared in a promotional record for the game.^[149] He appeared remark 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 swell straight track to simulate laps, one-time the cheetah ran in a clang but separate track.^[151] In 2013, Hester founded the Anytime 23 Empowerment Emotions Inc., a non-profit organization that serves as a positive, nurturing and press down environment for kids ages 6–18.^[152] Blue blood the gentry organization was later renamed to "Devin Hester Foundation".^[153]

References