Jessie Hester, a wide receiver known for his speed and agility, played in the National Football League (NFL) for several teams during his career. Born on January 21, 1963, in Belle Glade, Florida, Hester honed his skills at Glades Central High School before attending Florida State University, where he played college football for the Seminoles. His performance at Florida State caught the attention of NFL scouts, leading to his selection in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Raiders.
Hester's rookie season with the Raiders set the stage for his professional journey. Although he faced stiff competition for playing time, he managed to make an impression with his ability to stretch the field and make crucial catches. After two seasons with the Raiders, Hester was traded to the Indianapolis Colts in 1988. It was with the Colts that he began to showcase his potential as a reliable receiver. Over the next three seasons, Hester became a key target for the Colts' quarterbacks, consistently contributing to the team's passing game.
In 1991, Hester joined the Atlanta Falcons, where he continued to demonstrate his skills as a wide receiver. His tenure with the Falcons was marked by his ability to make big plays, often using his speed to outrun defenders and create scoring opportunities. Hester's time in Atlanta was relatively short, as he moved on to the Los Angeles Rams in 1993. With the Rams, he continued to be a valuable asset, providing veteran leadership and experience to the receiving corps.
Hester's final NFL stop was with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he played during the 1995 season. Although his time with the Eagles was brief, he added depth to their receiving unit and contributed when called upon. Throughout his NFL career, Hester was known for his quickness and ability to make plays downfield, attributes that made him a respected player among his peers.
After retiring from professional football, Hester transitioned into coaching, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger athletes.
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