Devin Hester, known for his electrifying speed and agility, became one of the most exciting players in the National Football League (NFL) during his career. Born on November 4, 1982, in Riviera Beach, Florida, Hester attended the University of Miami, where he played college football for the Miami Hurricanes. His exceptional performance as a return specialist and defensive back caught the attention of NFL scouts.
In the 2006 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected Hester in the second round with the 57th overall pick. Initially drafted as a cornerback, Hester quickly made a name for himself as a return specialist. During his rookie season, he set the league on fire with his ability to return kicks and punts for touchdowns. Hester's debut season included six return touchdowns, a record for a rookie, and he played a crucial role in helping the Bears reach Super Bowl XLI.
One of the most memorable moments of Hester's career came during that Super Bowl, where he returned the opening kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. This feat made him the first player in Super Bowl history to return the opening kickoff for a touchdown, instantly etching his name into the annals of NFL history.
Throughout his career with the Bears, Hester continued to excel as a return specialist. In 2007, he added six more return touchdowns to his resume, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most dangerous return men in the league. His ability to change the momentum of a game with a single return was unmatched, and he became a fan favorite in Chicago.
In addition to his return duties, Hester transitioned to wide receiver under the guidance of Bears' coaches, who sought to capitalize on his speed and playmaking ability. While he showed flashes of brilliance as a receiver, his true prowess remained in the return game. Hester's time with the Bears saw him break several records, including the most combined kick and punt return touchdowns in NFL history.
After eight seasons with the Bears, Hester signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2014. During his tenure with the Falcons, he continued to demonstrate his return skills, adding more touchdowns to his career total. In 2014, he broke the record for most return touchdowns in NFL history, surpassing Deion Sanders' previous mark.
Hester's career also included brief stints with the Baltimore Ravens and the Seattle Seahawks. Despite battling injuries in his later years, he remained a respected figure in the league for his return abilities. Hester announced his retirement from professional football in December 2017, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest return specialists in NFL history.
Throughout his career, Hester earned numerous accolades, including four Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors.
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