Devin Hester

Devin Hester
No. 23     Chicago Bears
Wide receiver / Punt Returner
Personal information
Date of birth: November 4, 1982 (1982-11-04) (age 28)
Place of birth: Riviera Beach, Florida
Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) Weight: 190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
College: Miami
NFL Draft: 2006 / Round: 2 / Pick: 57
Debuted in 2006 for the Chicago Bears
Career history
Career highlights and awards
  • 2× Pro Bowl selection (2006, 2007)
  • 2× First-Team All-Pro selection (2006, 2007)
  • ESPY Breakthrough Player of the Year (2007)
  • NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
  • List of NFL records
Career NFL statistics as of Week 17, 2009
Receptions     128
Receiving Yards     1,721
Total Return Yards     3,933
Total Touchdowns     19
Stats at NFL.com

Devin Hester (born November 4, 1982) is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He is an alumnus of the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play on all three teams of American football (offense, defense, special teams).[1] Hester began his professional career with the Bears in 2006, and quickly made an impact as a kick returner. Hester holds the league's all-time record for the most kick returned touchdowns in a single season. [2]

Contents

Early years

Devin Hester was born to Juanita Brown and Lenorris Hester Sr. in Riviera Beach, Florida. His parents separated when he was a toddler. Before he became a teenager, his mother was severely injured in car accident, while his father died of cancer two years later.[3] His step-father, Derrick Brown, and brother, Lenorris Jr., helped Hester escape his depression, and rebuild his life by introducing him to football. He soon returned to his normal life, and began to excel in sports and academics[4]

Hester attended Suncoast High School, where he played football as a cornerback, wide receiver, return specialist, and running back. He earned recognition from SuperPrep.com as the top 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 returned a kick for an 80-yard touchdown.[5][6] His success prompted his teammates to nickname him "Sugar Foot".[7]

During his youth, Hester enjoyed following the Dallas Cowboys. He especially idolized Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. He was also a fan of the Chicago Bulls during the Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson era.[8] Fred Taylor of the University of Florida was Hester's favorite athlete. In addition to football, he also enjoyed playing soccer and following baseball.[8]

Collegiate career

After completing high school, Hester enrolled into the University of Miami. As a sophomore, he earned national recognition after being named onto the "Walter Camp All-America Team" and “The Sporting News' All-America team”. Hester’s recognition was influenced by his prodigious success as a kick returner. His ability to thrust laterally and breakaway from pursuers made him one of the nation’s most dangerous return specialists.[5] During his freshman year, Hester returned an opening kick for a 97-yard touchdown against the University of Florida. In a game against Duke University in 2005, Hester broke six tackles while returning an 81-yard punt.[9] Ultimately, Hester completed his college career with a total of six touchdowns from kick returns, including one blocked field goal return. He also scored one rushing and receiving touchdown, and recorded five interceptions as a defensive back.

Hester became the first football player in Miami Hurricanes' recent history to play as member of the special, offensive, and defensive teams.[1][5] He was known as "Hurricane Hester" by his fans and teammates.[7] During his productive tenure at the University of Miami, Hester befriended Deion Sanders through Ed Reed, one of Sanders’ teammates who was an alumnus of the University of Miami. Deion Sanders counseled, advised, and encouraged Hester. Hester was also known as “Anytime” in college, which is a tribute to Sanders’ nickname, “Prime Time”. He also adopted Sanders’ signature touchdown dance, and showboating maneuvers, which he carried to his future NFL career.[4]

Professional career

2006

Pre-draft measureables
Weight 40 yd 20 ss 3-cone Vert BP Wonderlic
190 lb (86 kg) 4.41s* 4.20s 6.78s 38 in (96.5 cm)* 16*[10] X
* represents NFL Combine

Hester began his professional career in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears, who selected him in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft.[11] The team originally drafted Hester as a cornerback, but they intended to play him as a return specialist, following the retirement of Jerry Azumah, and departure of Bobby Wade.[11] The team's decision to draft Hester was initially criticized by fans and sports analysts, who believed the Bears should have spent their early picks on offensive prospects.[12]

In thirteen weeks as a professional football player, Hester recorded six return touchdowns, including a punt return in his NFL debut, and a then-record tying 108-yard touchdown from a missed field goal against the New York Giants.[13] He also returned a punt for a clutch 83-yard game-winning touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals, and two kickoff returns in one game against the St. Louis Rams.[14][15] Following his record-breaking game during week fourteen, opposing teams exercised additional caution when allowing Hester to return kicks.[16][17] During the postseason Hester ran back a punt at a critical moment against the Seattle Seahawks, but it was called back on a blocking penalty. Regardless, the Bears won both NFC playoffs rounds, and advanced to Super Bowl XLI to play the Indianapolis Colts. He started the game on a high note for the Bears by returning the game’s opening kick for a touchdown.[18] The feat was the first touchdown return of an opening kickoff in Super Bowl history.[18] It also marked the quickest lead ever taken by any team.[18] Following the kick, the Colts did not kick the ball directly to Hester, significantly limiting the Bears’ return efforts.[19]

Hester's feats in 2006 earned him three NFC Special Teams Player of the week Awards,[20] and a trip to the 2007 Pro Bowl.[21] After the 2006 season ended, he was named as the "NFC’s Player of the Month" for December, and was a finalist in the 2006 Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year voting.[22] He was also voted onto the Associated Press’s 2006 All-Pro team with 48 and a half votes, finishing fourth behind LaDainian Tomlinson, Champ Bailey, and Jason Taylor who all received 50 votes.[23] He finished the 2006 season by accumulating three touchdowns for 600 yards on 47 punt returns, and two touchdowns for 528 yards on 20 kick returns, thus making him one of the league’s most productive kick and punt returners.[20][24] Even without taking an offensive snap prior to week fourteen, Hester was the Bears' second leading scorer, behind kicker Robbie Gould. On a negative note, Hester struggled to control the football at times, having games with multiple fumbles on at least two separate occasions.[16][25][26]

Many fans speculated that Hester’s speed and prior experience as a wide receiver would earn him a spot on the Bears' offense, similar to teammate Rashied Davis. While Lovie Smith dismissed the speculation, he played Hester as a wide receiver for one play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 17, 2006.[27][28] Hester attributes his talent to his mentor, Deion Sanders, whom Hester claims helped him perfect his return game.[8][20] Sanders, a former cornerback and kick returner, compliments Hester after every productive performance. However, Sanders also berated Hester for taunting another player en route to his second touchdown return against the St. Louis Rams.[29][30] His teammates and coaches have also praised Hester. After the 2006 season, he was voted to receive the team's Brian Piccolo Award, which is given to a player who possesses a good character and work ethic.[31]

2007

Devin Hester fields a punt during Special Teams practice at the Chicago Bears' 2007 Training Camp.

Shortly after losing Super Bowl XLI, Hester and special teams coach Dave Toub spent a significant amount of time working on new return strategies and formations.[32] Ultimately, Lovie Smith converted Hester into a wide receiver in order to increase the number of opportunities he would receive during a game.[33] Hester, who originally played as a wide receiver at the University of Miami, was initially hesitant about making the switch to offense, as he wished to follow in the footsteps of Deion Sanders.[34] However, the Bears’ coaching staff eventually persuaded Hester to make the transition over the summer. During the 2007 off-season, Hester won the Best Breakthrough Athlete ESPY Award.[35]

Hester returned his first touchdown of the season, a 73-yard punt return, against the Kansas City Chiefs during week two.[36] He nearly recorded a second touchdown return, but the play was negated by a holding penalty.[36] Hester established himself as a threat on offense, when he caught an 81-yard touchdown pass from Brian Griese against the Minnesota Vikings.[37] He also returned a punt for a 89-yard touchdown, though the Bears lost the game. In the weeks to come, many opposing special teams began to kick the ball away from Hester, contributing to, according to Mike Pereira, a 132% increase in kickoffs that went out-of-bounds.[38] Rod Marinelli, the head coach of the Detroit Lions, placed a strong emphasis on kicking the ball away from Hester, saying, “kick the ball into Lake Michigan and make sure it (sinks) to the bottom.”[39]

Before the Bears’ week twelve match-up against the Denver Broncos, Todd Sauerbrun infamously stated that he would kick the ball to Hester.[40] Hester, who had not returned a kick for a touchdown in almost a month, responded by returning a punt and kick-off for touchdowns.[41] Keith Olbermann, a commentator for NBC Sunday Night Football, awarded Sauerbrun with the dubious “Worst Person in the NFL Award” for kicking the ball to Hester, and failing to tackle him.[42] The two touchdowns gave Hester the most kick returns for touchdowns in the Bears’ franchise history. Hester concluded the season with 64-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 55-yard touchdown reception against the New Orleans Saints.[43] He was even given the opportunity to throw a pass on a variation of a wide receiver reverse, but he was sacked while motioning to Bernard Berrian.[44]

Hester finished the season with six kicks returned for touchdowns, which set a league record.[45] He finished the season ranking fourth on the League’s all-time combined kick return list, behind Brian Mitchell (13), Eric Metcalf (12), and Dante Hall (12).[46] Additionally, he amassed 299 yards on twenty receptions as a receiver, though he was often used as a decoy.[47] His play on offense received mix commentary. While the Bears’ coaching staff believed Hester showed enough progress to become one of the team's top receivers in 2008, Hester was prone to making small errors, including running routes incorrectly or dropping catches.[48][49] He drew a fifteen-yard face-mask penalty while attempting to fend off a would-be tackler in a game against the Saints, and received a $5,000 dollar fine.[50] Nevertheless, Hester concluded the season with four Player of the Week Awards, giving him a franchise high total of seven in his career, and an invitation to the 2008 Pro Bowl.[51]

Hester at Training Camp, 2008

2008

Prior to the beginning of the 2008 season, Hester stated that he would not attend the Bears' summer camp unless the team offered him a new contract.[52] He further voiced his displeasure in a phone interview with the Chicago Tribune, with his current contract, commenting, "I can’t go out and play this year making $445,000. Come on, man."[53] Adam Schefter believes that the Bears are puzzled over how Hester should be classified (as a wide receiver or a return specialist of such a star caliber), and be offered a contract accordingly.[54] After receiving a $30,000 fine for not attending two days of training, Hester returned to the team's camp.[55] The team later offered him a new four-year contract extension, which is reportedly worth up to $40-million dollars.[56]

Hester missed the third game of the season after tearing cartilage in his ribs during the previous week.[57] He returned to the field in the team's week four contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he caught his first touchdown of the season. Lovie Smith gave Hester his first starting job as a wide receiver the next week, in place of the injured Brandon Lloyd.[58] Hester went on to catch five passes for 66 yards and one touchdown.[59] In the following week, Hester totaled 87 yards on 6 receptions.

After a week eight bye week, Hester caught 4 passes for 42 yards and had an 11-yard run against the Detroit Lions. He eventually lost his kick return duties to Danieal Manning, but began receiving more playtime as a wide receiver.[60] Between weeks 12 and 15, Hester caught 17 passes for 250 yards, and one touchdown.[61] David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune regarded Hester as the team's “biggest threat in the passing game.“[62] He concluded the season by catching 51 passes for a team high 665 yards.[63] Unlike his previous two seasons in the NFL, Hester did not record a single touchdown return,[63] and only averaged 6.2 yards per punt return.[64] Lovie Smith commented on Hester at the end of the season by saying, "I know his returns dropped off a little bit this year, but his plate was full there for a while. We think we have a happy medium now for him as a punt returner and continuing to develop as a receiver.”[65] Hester was also selected to play in the 2009 Pro Bowl as a third alternate.[66]

2009

After the acquisition of Jay Cutler, Hester took on the role as the de-facto number one wide receiver.[67][68] In the first game of the season, Hester caught seven passes from Cutler for 90 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown reception. In the following weeks Hester began to develop a rapport with Cutler, and amassed 634 receiving yards and three touchdowns though the first twelve weeks of the season. He played the best game of the season on October 25, 2009 against the Cincinnati Bengals, catching eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. In a game against the St. Louis Rams during the thirteenth week of the season, Hester injured his calf, and missed three starts.[69] Hester returned to play in the Bears season finale against the Detroit Lions, catching three passes for 75 yards.[70] Despite missing the three starts, Hester lead the team with 757 receiving yards, and finished behind Greg Olsen in receptions.[70] Hester built his reputation around his kick returning abilities, but his kickoff-returning duties decreased significantly following the 2007 season-finale.[71] He told the Chicago Tribune, that he plans on spending the offseason honing his receiving and returning skills by strengthening in his legs, specially to fully recover from the calf injury he sustained earlier.[72]

NFL career statistics

Career Stats Receiving Kickoff Returns Punt Returns Fumbles
Season Team G Rec Yds Y/G Avg Lng YAC 1stD TD KR Yds Avg Long TD PR Yds Avg Long TD Fum Lost
2006 CHI 16 0 0 0.0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 20 528 26.4 96 2 47 600 12.8 84 3 8 2
2007 CHI 16 20 299 18.7 15.0 81 7.0 11 2 43 934 21.7 97 2 42 651 15.5 89 4 7 1
2008 CHI 15 51 665 44.3 13.0 65 4.2 29 3 31 679 21.9 51 0 32 198 6.2 25 0 5 2
2009 CHI 13 57 757 58.2 13.3 48 YAC 34 3 7 156 22.3 44 0 24 187 7.8 33 0 3 1
2010 CHI 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career 60 128 1721 28.7 13.4 81 YAC 74 8 101 2297 22.7 97 4 145 1636 11.3 89 7 23 6

Source, Retrieved on August 17, 2010

NFL records

Hester roaming around Lambeau Field before a game

Punt return touchdowns, season: 4 (2007)

Kickoff return touchdowns, game: 2, Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams, 02006-12-11 December 11, 2006

Combined kick return touchdowns, season: 6 (2007) (4 punts, 2 kickoffs)

Combined kick return touchdowns, rookie, season: 5 (2006) (3 punts, 2 kickoffs)

Combined kick return touchdowns, game: 2, twice
2, Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams, 02006-12-11 December 11, 2006 (2 kickoffs)
2, Chicago Bears vs. Denver Broncos, 02007-11-25 November 25, 2007 (1 punt, 1 kickoff)

Non-offensive touchdowns, season: 6, twice
6, 2006 (3 punts, 2 kickoffs, 1 missed field goal)
6, 2007 (4 punts, 2 kickoffs)

Longest return of missed field goal: 108 yards (touchdown), Chicago Bears at New York Giants, 02006-11-12 November 12, 2006

Ranks 2nd in NFL history

Punt return touchdowns, season: 3 (2006)

Punt return touchdowns, rookie, season: 3 (2006)

Combined kick returns, game: 12, Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions, 02007-09-30 September 30, 2007 (5 punts, 7 kickoffs)

Yards returned, combined kick returns, game: 314, Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions, 02007-09-30 September 30, 2007 (95 on punts, 219 on kickoffs)

Combined kick return touchdowns, season: 5 (2006) (3 punts, 2 kickoffs)

Ranks 3rd in NFL history

Combined kick return touchdowns, career: 11 (7 punts, 4 kickoffs)

Franchise

*Shared with Nathan Vasher
**Shared with eleven others

Personal life

Hester was in a relationship with Tamara James, a women's basketball player he met at the University of Miami. James currently plays professionally for the Washington Mystics. In an interview with the Black Sports Network in 2005, Hester revealed that he was engaged to James.[1] A later article by the Chicago Tribune confirmed that he had proposed to James on June 6, 2005 at a Miami Heat basketball game.[4] Hester’s family resides in Florida and was struck by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Hester has assisted his family financially in helping them rebuild their home.[73] His brother Lenorris Jr., resides with Hester during the regular season in their Chicago area home. Raised in a Christian household, Hester brings a Bible to every game he plays.[74]

Hester’s successful rookie year drew him much publicity and popularity. Ever since his record-breaking performance against the Rams, Hester has been offered marketing opportunities from Nike, soft drink, and cell phone companies.[75] There has also been a surge in the demand for Hester’s jerseys within the Chicago area sporting stores.[76] Also, Hester was invited to throw the ceremonial opening pitch and sing Take Me Out to the Ball Game at the Chicago Cubs' 2007 home opener.[77] Along with teammates Rex Grossman and Tommie Harris, Hester appeared on the February 2007 issue of Sports Illustrated for Kids. His reputation has also been bolstered by EA Sports' Madden NFL 08, where Hester's perfect 100 speed rating made him the fastest player in the game's history.[78] Hester also appeared in a promotional video for the game.[79] He appeared in commercials for Under Armour in 2008 and 2009.[80]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Black Sports Network, College Football: Devin Retrieved on November 17, 2006
  2. ↑ Tom Pedulla (2007-01-31). "Big returns on Bears' investment". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/bears/2007-01-30-hester-cover_x.htm. Retrieved 2007-04-29. 
  3. ↑ Tom Pedulla (2007-01-31). "Big returns on Bears' investment". USA Today. http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/nfl/bears/2007-01-30-hester-cover_x.htm. Retrieved 2007-04-29. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Chicago Tribune, Pilot episode is prime-time Retrieved on December 18, 2006
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 University of Miami Athletics, Player Bio:Devin Hester::Football Retrieved on December 18, 2006
  6. ↑ Rivals.com, CaliFlorida Bowl: Final Comments Retrieved on March 20, 2007
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Sports Illustrated, December 3, 2007 issue.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Chicago Tribune, Q&A: Devin Hester Retrieved on December 18, 2006
  9. ↑ ESPN, Duke Blue Devils at Miami (FL) Hurricanes Retrieved on December 18, 2006
  10. ↑ NFL Draft Scout, Devin Hester, DS #10 WR, Miami, Retrieved on August 23, 2007
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 ChicagoBears.com, Free-agent splashes often leave NFL teams all wet, Retrieved on March 5, 2008.
  12. ↑ ChicagoSports.com, Ask David Haugh, Retrieved on February 5, 2008.
  13. ↑ ESPN, Hester's record return pushes Bears past sleeping Giants Retrieved on March 3, 2007
  14. ↑ RightWingNutHouse.com, PHOENIX RISING Retrieved on December 18, 2006
  15. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Hester's electrifying return twice as nice for Bears Retrieved on December 18, 2006
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 SuperBowl.com, Hester is Chicago's not-so-secret weapon Retrieved on February 28, 2007
  17. ↑ TBO.com, A Force Of Nature Retrieved on February 24, 2007
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 UsaToday.com, Smashing entrance by Bears' Hester at Super Bowl XLI Retrieved on March 20, 2007
  19. ↑ Yahoo! Sports, Indianapolis 29, Chicago 17 Retrieved on February 5, 2007
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 20.2 ChicagoBears.com, Hester wins second straight player of week award Retrieved on December 18, 2006
  21. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Hester among seven Bears voted to Pro Bowl Retrieved on January 19, 2007
  22. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Hester named player of month for December Retrieved on January 4, 2007
  23. ↑ Yahoo! Sports, Tomlinson, Taylor and Bailey unanimous All-Pros Retrieved on January 8, 2007
  24. ↑ ESPN, ESPN.com – NFL – Devin Hester Retrieved on January 16, 2007
  25. ↑ SuburbanChicagoNews.com, Offensive Hester a downer Retrieved on January 16, 2007
  26. ↑ Chicago Tribune, Precision drill team Retrieved on January 16, 2007
  27. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Bears have no plans to play Hester on offense Retrieved on December 17, 2006
  28. ↑ Yahoo! Sports, Bears 34, Buccaneers 31, OT Retrieved on December 17, 2006
  29. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Electrifying Hester enjoying wild ride with humility Retrieved on December 18, 2006
  30. ↑ Kansas City Star, The Windy City Flyer Retrieved on February 25, 2007
  31. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Kreutz, Hester honored to win Piccolo Awards Retrieved on April 24, 2007
  32. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Bears will look to counter game of keepaway Retrieved on March 9, 2007
  33. ↑ ESPN.com, Bears to shake things up, move Hester to offense, Retrieved on May 15, 2007.
  34. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Bears moving dynamic Hester to offense Retrieved on May 14, 2007
  35. ↑ "The Best of the ESPYs". ESPN Internet Ventures. 2007. http://espn.go.com/espy2007/#/postshow/. Retrieved 2007-07-20. 
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 ChicagoBears.com, Defense, Hester lead Bears to win, Retrieved on September 15, 2007.
  37. ↑ Yahoo! Sports, Minnesota Vikings/Chicago Bears Box Score Sunday October 14, 2007, Retrieved on October 14, 2007.
  38. ↑ Mike Pereira. "Official Review" (January 3, 2008) [TV]. NFL Network
  39. ↑ Detroit Free Pess, Lions face special threat in kick returner Devin Hester, Retrieved on January 7, 2008.
  40. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Sauerbrun says Broncos won't kick away from Hester, Retrieved on December 24, 2007.
  41. ↑ Yahoo! Sports, Chicago 37, Denver 34, OT, Retrieved on December 24, 2007.
  42. ↑ Rocky Mountain News, Collinsworth still one of the best, Retrieved on December 24, 2007.
  43. ↑ Yahoo! Sports, Chicago 33, New Orleans 25, Retrieved on January 8, 2008.
  44. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Free agent-to-be Ayanbadejo focuses on his future, Retrieved on January 7, 2008.
  45. ↑ RealFootball365, Hester sets NFL record with sixth return touchdown, Retrieved on January 7, 2008.
  46. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Hester wins fourth player of week award of season Retrieved on January 6, 2008
  47. ↑ Chicago Sports Weekly, Making Sense of Devin, Retrieved on January 7, 2008.
  48. ↑ NWI.com, Early returns say Hester a runaway winner, Retrieved on January 7, 2008.
  49. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Hester could be in mix for starting receiver spot in '08, Retrieved on January 7, 2008.
  50. ↑ The Chicago Tribune, Briggs, Berrian have suitors, Retrieved on January 7, 2008.
  51. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Hester wins fourth player of week award of season, Retrieved on January 7, 2008.
  52. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Bears surprised by Hester's absence from camp, Retrieved on July 23, 2008.
  53. ↑ Gano, Rick (2008-07-23). "Hester holds out as Bears open training camp". Associated Press (Yahoo! Sports). http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_ylt=Av8lRhGOid5NlKpALEMiIHZDubYF?slug=ap-bears-hester&prov=ap&type=lgns. Retrieved 2008-07-24. 
  54. ↑ NFL.com, Around The League - July 24
  55. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Hester ends two-day holdout, reports to training camp, Retrieved on 2008-07-25.
  56. ↑ ChicagoSports.com, Chicago Bears, Devin Hester agree to 4-year contract extension, Retrieved on 2008-07-25.
  57. ↑ USA Today, Extent of Devin Hester's rib injury remains unclear, Retrieved on October 6, 2008.
  58. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Lloyd to miss Sunday's game in Detroit with knee injury, Retrieved on October 6, 2008.
  59. ↑ Yahoo! Sports, NFL - Chicago Bears/Detroit Lions Box Score Sunday October 5, 2008, Retrieved on October 6, 2008.
  60. ↑ DailyHerald.com, Manning the man on opening kickoff, Retrieved on December 15, 2008.
  61. ↑ Yahoo! Sports, Devin Hester – Chicago Bears – NFL, Retrieved on December 15, 2008.
  62. ↑ Chicago Tribune, 10 things to take away from the Bears' victory, Retrieved on December 15, 2008.
  63. ↑ 63.0 63.1 Pro-Football-Reference.com, 2008 Chicago Bears, Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
  64. ↑ NFL.com, Devin Hester, Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
  65. ↑ Mayer, Larry (2008-01-07). "Bears confident Hester will take next step as wide receiver". chicagobears.com. http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=5507. Retrieved 2009-01-07. 
  66. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Veteran linebacker Briggs voted to fourth straight Pro Bowl, Retrieved on January 7, 2009.
  67. ↑ ChicagoBears.com Does Hester have what it takes to be No. 1 receiver, Retrieved on 2009-11-15.
  68. ↑ ChicagoBears.com Hester continuing to develop into all-around wide receiver, Retrieved on 2009-11-15.
  69. ↑ Biggs, Brad (2010-01-01). "Hester, Payne removed from injury report". chicagobreakingsports.com. http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/2010/01/hester-payne-removed-from-injury-report.html. Retrieved 2010-01-02. 
  70. ↑ 70.0 70.1 Lage, Larry (2010-01-03). "Bears beat Lions 37-23 to finish disappointing 7-9". Associated Press (Yahoo! Sports). http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/recap?gid=20100103008. Retrieved 2010-01-04. 
  71. ↑ ESPN.com, Devin Hester Game Log - Chicago Bears - ESPN:, Retrieved on 2009-11-15.
  72. ↑ McClure, Vaughn (2010-01-03). "Devin Hester looks to regain return form". Chicago Tribune. http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-03-bears-devin-hester-jan03,0,4337186.story. Retrieved 2010-01-04. 
  73. ↑ Scout.com, Devin Hester Rookie Diary: Entry 1 Retrieved on November 17, 2006
  74. ↑ Sun Sentinel, Devin Hester's kick returns can inspire cheers or cringing Retrieved on January 16, 2007
  75. ↑ ChicagoBears.com, Devin Hester on success as a rookie (Video) Retrieved on December 18, 2006
  76. ↑ "Devin-Mania is gaining speed". Chicago Tribune: pp. 1;4. December 14, 2006. 
  77. ↑ CBS SportsLine.com, First Wrigley outing for Piniella, Soriano ends with defeat, Retrieved on October 8, 2007.
  78. ↑ ESPN.com, Devin Hester: Maximum Speed Retrieved on April 6, 2007
  79. ↑ Youtube.com, Madden 08 Draft - Devin Hester, Retrieved on June 22, 2007
  80. ↑ Lefton, Terry (2008-07-16). "Under Armour inks endorsement deal with NFL's Devin Hester". Baltimore Business Journal. http://baltimore.bizjournals.com/baltimore/stories/2008/07/14/daily29.html. Retrieved 2009-11-15. 

External links

Awards
Preceded by
Chris Paul		 ESPY Award
Best Breakthrough Athlete
2007		 Succeeded by
Adrian Peterson
Chicago Bears 2006 NFL Draft selections
Danieal Manning • Devin Hester • Dusty Dvoracek • Jamar Williams • Mark Anderson • J. D. Runnels • Tyler Reed
Draft Years:  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  •  • 1997  •  •  • 2000  •  •  • 2003  •  •  • 2006  •  •  •  •
2006 AP NFL All-Pro Team

Offense: QB Drew Brees | RB LaDainian Tomlinson | RB Larry Johnson | FB Lorenzo Neal | WR Marvin Harrison | WR Chad Johnson | TE Antonio Gates
OT Jammal Brown | OT Willie Anderson | G Alan Faneca | G Shawn Andrews | C Olin Kreutz
Defense: DE Julius Peppers | DE Jason Taylor | DT Jamal Williams | DT Kevin Williams | OLB Shawne Merriman | OLB Adalius Thomas | ILB Zach Thomas | ILB Brian Urlacher | CB Champ Bailey | CB Rashean Mathis | S Ed Reed | S Brian Dawkins

Special Teams P Brian Moorman | PK Robbie Gould | KR Devin Hester
2007 Pro Bowl NFC Starters
Offense
QB Drew Brees | RB Frank Gore | FB Mack Strong | WR Torry Holt | WR Steve Smith | TE Alge Crumpler
OT Jammal Brown | OT Walter Jones | G Shawn Andrews | G Steve Hutchinson | C Olin Kreutz
Defense
DE Julius Peppers | DE Will Smith | DT Tommie Harris | DT Kevin Williams
OLB Lance Briggs | OLB DeMarcus Ware | ILB Brian Urlacher
CB Ronde Barber | CB DeAngelo Hall | FS Brian Dawkins | SS Adrian Wilson
Special Teams
P Mat McBriar | PK Robbie Gould | KR Devin Hester | ST Brendon Ayanbadejo
2007 AP NFL All-Pro Team

Offense: QB Tom Brady | RB LaDainian Tomlinson | RB Brian Westbrook | FB Lorenzo Neal | WR Randy Moss | WR Terrell Owens | TE Jason Witten
OT Matt Light | OT Walter Jones | G Alan Faneca | G Steve Hutchinson | C Jeff Saturday
Defense: DE Jared Allen | DE Patrick Kerney | DT Albert Haynesworth | DT Kevin Williams | OLB Mike Vrabel | OLB DeMarcus Ware | ILB Lofa Tatupu | ILB Patrick Willis | CB Antonio Cromartie | CB Asante Samuel | FS Ed Reed | SS Bob Sanders

Special Teams P Andy Lee | PK Rob Bironas | KR Devin Hester
2008 Pro Bowl NFC Starters
Offense
QB Brett Favre | RB Adrian Peterson | FB Tony Richardson | WR Larry Fitzgerald | WR Terrell Owens | TE Jason Witten
OT Flozell Adams | OT Walter Jones | G Leonard Davis | G Steve Hutchinson | C Andre Gurode
Defense
DE Aaron Kampman | DE Patrick Kerney | DT Kevin Williams | DT Pat Williams
OLB Julian Peterson | OLB DeMarcus Ware | ILB Lofa Tatupu
CB Al Harris | CB Marcus Trufant | FS Sean Taylor | SS Darren Sharper
Special Teams
P Andy Lee | PK Nick Folk | KR Devin Hester | ST Brendon Ayanbadejo
National Football League | NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team

Tom Brady | Peyton Manning | LaDainian Tomlinson | Edgerrin James | Jamal Lewis | Shaun Alexander | Lorenzo Neal | Randy Moss | Marvin Harrison | Terrell Owens | Torry Holt | Tony Gonzalez | Antonio Gates | Walter Jones | Jonathan Ogden | Orlando Pace | Willie Roaf | Alan Faneca | Steve Hutchinson | Will Shields | Larry Allen | Kevin Mawae | Olin Kreutz | Dwight Freeney | Michael Strahan | Jason Taylor | Julius Peppers | Richard Seymour | Warren Sapp | Kevin Williams | La'Roi Glover | Ray Lewis | Derrick Brooks | Brian Urlacher | Joey Porter | Zach Thomas | DeMarcus Ware | Champ Bailey | Charles Woodson | Ty Law | Ronde Barber | Ed Reed | Brian Dawkins | Troy Polamalu | Darren Sharper | Adam Vinatieri | David Akers | Shane Lechler | Brian Moorman | Joshua Cribbs | Dante Hall | Devin Hester | Bill Belichick | Tony Dungy
Chicago Bears current roster
Active roster

4 Brad Maynard | 6 Jay Cutler | 9 Robbie Gould | 10 Todd Collins | 12 Caleb Hanie | 13 Johnny Knox | 19 Devin Aromashodu | 20 Craig Steltz | 21 Corey Graham | 22 Matt Forté | 23 Devin Hester | 25 Garrett Wolfe | 26 Tim Jennings | 27 Major Wright | 29 Chester Taylor | 30 D. J. Moore | 31 Josh Moore | 32 Kahlil Bell | 33 Charles Tillman | 35 Zackary Bowman | 36 Josh Bullocks | 38 Danieal Manning | 46 Chris Harris | 52 Brian Iwuh | 53 Nick Roach | 54 Brian Urlacher | 55 Lance Briggs | 57 Olin Kreutz | 58 Rod Wilson | 59 Pisa Tinoisamoa | 60 Lance Louis | 63 Roberto Garza | 65 Patrick Mannelly | 68 Frank Omiyale | 69 Henry Melton | 70 Edwin Williams | 71 Israel Idonije | 73 J'Marcus Webb | 74 Chris Williams | 75 Matt Toeaina | 78 Kevin Shaffer | 80 Earl Bennett | 81 Rashied Davis | 82 Greg Olsen | 86 Brandon Manumaleuna | 87 Kellen Davis | 88 Desmond Clark | 90 Julius Peppers | 91 Tommie Harris | 95 Anthony Adams | 96 Barry Turner | 98 Corey Wootton | 99 Marcus Harrison
Reserve lists

48 Harvey Unga (IR) | 76 Averell Spicer (IR) | 92 Hunter Hillenmeyer (IR)
Practice Squad

17 Juaquin Iglesias | 43 Eddie Williams | 62 Johan Asiata | 70 Ervin Baldwin | 72 James Marten | 79 Levi Horn | 83 Freddie Barnes | 93 Chris Johnson |