Reflecting on the magic of Devin Hester
The former Chicago Bears three-time All-Pro return specialist Devin Hester wasn’t announced as a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but he was one of the most unique football profiles in NFL history. Here is a close look at how productive he’s been in his career:
- 14 total punt return touchdowns
- 7,333 total kick return yards
- 3,695 total punt return yards
Hester has been a rockstar and arguably the best return specialist in NFL history for the Chicago Bears (2006-2013), Atlanta Falcons (2014, 2015), Seattle Seahawks (2016), and Baltimore Ravens (2016). It should also be noted that Hester hasn’t only played in a Super Bowl, but he played lights out in the big dance. He returned the opening kickoff in Super Bowl XLI for a touchdown.
Unfortunately, the special team hero couldn’t overcome the opponent on the other team: Peyton Manning. The Bears lost 29-17 and it’s clear Hester was the most gutted after the game.
Hester hasn’t won a Super Bowl, but he does hold many records. He has the most special team return touchdowns of all time and the most punt return touchdowns of all time. It’s clear that Hester is a gifted profile.
Is there a modern-day Devin Hester? Well, We witnessed Cordarrelle Patterson follow a similar path as Hester, as he dominated opponents with the Bears and Falcons. Patterson was a two-time All-Pro returner with Chicago Bears. It will be interesting to see what legacy Patterson portrays if he can have a few more potent years as a special teamer (and RB/WR). The Saints WR/KR Deonte Harris could make another All-Pro team soon, as well.
We know Hester was a gift from the football gods on the field, but he was also a competitor off the field ….
He also entertained the world with a race against Chris Johnson and a cheetah in 2014. It’s strange to say this, but Hester came out with the victory. At least we know the cheetah on the Kansas City Chiefs doesn’t want to risk losing a race in the Pro Bowl, while Hester puts his money on the line against the fastest creature on the planet. Sadly, The world never got to witness Hester run against a race car.
