Devin Hester facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Devin Hester

Hester with the Chicago Bears in 2008
No. 23, 17, 14
Position:	Wide receiver Return specialist
Personal information
Born:	(1982-11-04) November 4, 1982 (age 42) Riviera Beach, Florida, U.S.
Height:	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Weight:	190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
High school:	Suncoast (Riviera Beach)
College:	Miami (FL) (2003–2005)
NFL Draft:	2006 / Round: 2 / Pick: 57
Career history
Chicago Bears (2006) Atlanta Falcons (2014) Baltimore Ravens (2016) Seattle Seahawks (2016)
Career highlights and awards
3× First-team All-Pro (2006, 2007, 2010) Second-team All-Pro (2011) 4× Pro Bowl (2006, 2007, 2010, 2014) 2× NFL kickoff return yards leader (2013, 2014) 2× NFL punt return yards leader (2006, 2010) 3× NFL Alumni Special Teams Player of the Year (2006, 2007, 2010) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team NFL 2010s All-Decade Team NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team PFWA All-Rookie Team (2006) 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time First-team All-American (2004) 2× First-team All-ACC (2004, 2005) University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame NFL records Most career return touchdowns: 20 Most career punt return touchdowns: 14 Most return touchdowns in a season: 6 (2007; tied)
Career NFL statistics
Receptions: 255 Receiving yards: 3,311 Receiving touchdowns: 16 Kickoff return yards: 7,333 Punt return yards: 3,696 Kickoff return touchdowns: 6 Punt return touchdowns: 14
Player stats at PFR
Pro Football Hall of Fame

Devin Devorris Hester Sr. (born November 4, 1982) is a former professional football player. He was a wide receiver and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). Many people consider him the greatest return specialist of all time. He is also the only main return specialist to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Hester played college football for the Miami Hurricanes. He was the first player in the university's recent history to play offense, defense, and special teams. The Chicago Bears picked him in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft. Hester also played for the Atlanta Falcons, the Baltimore Ravens, and the Seattle Seahawks. His NFL career lasted 11 seasons. He is famous for being the only player to return the opening kickoff of a Super Bowl for a touchdown. Hester was chosen for the NFL All-Decade Team for both the 2000s and 2010s.

He was first drafted as a cornerback. But Hester quickly became known for returning kicks and punts. Later, he also played as a wide receiver. He holds the NFL record for the most return touchdowns ever (punt and kickoff combined). He also has the most punt return touchdowns in NFL history. Hester was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024.

Early Life and Football Beginnings

Devin Hester was born in Riviera Beach, Florida. He faced challenges when he was young. His step-father and brother helped him find football. This helped him feel better and start to do well in sports.

When he was a kid, Hester loved watching the Dallas Cowboys. He especially looked up to players like Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. He also enjoyed playing soccer and following baseball.

High School Sports Success

Hester went to Suncoast High School. There, he played football in many positions. He was a cornerback, wide receiver, return specialist, and running back. He was recognized as a top high school player in Florida. Parade magazine even named him to their All-American team. In one game, he returned a kick for an 80-yard touchdown. His success earned him the nickname "Sugar Foot" from his teammates.

Track and Field Achievements

Hester was also a great track athlete. In high school, he earned All-America honors. He was ranked second nationally in the long jump as a junior. He also won the 2004 Big EAST Indoor long jump title while at the University of Miami. He also ran in short races like the 60 meters and 100 meters.

Personal Best Times and Marks

College Football Career

After high school, Hester went to the University of Miami. He played for the Miami Hurricanes football team from 2003 to 2005. In 2004, he became famous as a kick returner. He was named a first-team All-American. He was known for his ability to quickly change direction and get away from defenders. This made him one of the most dangerous return specialists in college football.

In his first year, Hester returned an opening kickoff for a 98-yard touchdown against the Florida Gators. In a 2005 game against Duke, he broke six tackles on an 81-yard punt return. By the end of his college career, Hester had six touchdowns from kick returns. He also scored one rushing touchdown and one receiving touchdown. He even had five interceptions as a defensive player.

Hester was the first player in the Miami Hurricanes' recent history to play on special teams, offense, and defense. Fans and teammates called him "Hurricane Hester." During his time at Miami, Hester became friends with Deion Sanders. Sanders, a famous former player, gave Hester advice and encouraged him. Hester was also known as "Anytime" in college, a nod to Sanders' nickname, "Prime Time." He even copied Sanders' famous touchdown dance.

Hester finished his three college seasons with impressive stats. He had 41 punt returns for 638 yards and 40 kick returns for 1,019 yards. He also had 24 carries for 160 yards and 10 catches for 196 yards. On defense, he made 11 tackles, had 1 sack, and 5 interceptions.

Professional Football Career

Time with the Chicago Bears

2006 Season: A Rookie Sensation

Devin Hester started his professional career with the Chicago Bears. They picked him in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft. The team first drafted him as a cornerback. But they planned to use him as a return specialist.

In his first 13 weeks, Hester scored six return touchdowns. This included a punt return in his very first NFL game. He also tied a record with a 108-yard touchdown from a missed field goal. This happened against the New York Giants. He returned a punt for an 83-yard game-winning touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. He also had two kickoff returns for touchdowns in one game against the St. Louis Rams. After his amazing start, other teams became very careful when kicking to him.

In the playoffs, the Bears made it to Super Bowl XLI. Hester started the game by returning the opening kickoff for a touchdown! This was the first time that had ever happened in Super Bowl history. It was also the fastest touchdown scored in a Super Bowl. After that, the other team, the Indianapolis Colts, avoided kicking the ball to him.

Hester's incredible 2006 season earned him several awards. He was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week three times. He also went to the 2007 Pro Bowl. He was chosen for the Associated Press's 2006 All-Pro team. He finished the season with three punt return touchdowns and two kickoff return touchdowns. Even without playing much offense, he was the Bears' second-highest scorer.

2007 Season: Becoming a Wide Receiver

Hester in training camp with the Chicago Bears in 2007

After the Super Bowl, the Bears decided to make Hester a wide receiver. This would give him more chances to play during games. Hester had played wide receiver in college. He won the Best Breakthrough Athlete ESPY Award in 2007.

Hester scored his first touchdown of the 2007 season with a 73-yard punt return. This was against the Kansas City Chiefs. He also showed he could be a threat on offense. He caught an 81-yard touchdown pass against the Minnesota Vikings. He returned another punt for an 89-yard touchdown. Many opposing teams started kicking the ball out of bounds to avoid him. One coach even joked about kicking the ball into Lake Michigan to keep it away from Hester.

Before a game against the Denver Broncos, their kicker said he would kick the ball to Hester. Hester responded by returning both a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns! These two touchdowns gave him the most kick returns for touchdowns in Bears history. Hester ended the season with a 64-yard punt return touchdown and a 55-yard touchdown catch.

Hester finished the season with six kicks returned for touchdowns. This set a new league record. He also had 299 receiving yards. Even though he sometimes made small mistakes as a receiver, his coaches believed he was improving. He earned four Player of the Week Awards and an invitation to the 2008 Pro Bowl.

2008 Season: Focusing on Offense

Hester at training camp in 2008

Hester in training camp with the Chicago Bears in 2008

Before the 2008 season, Hester wanted a new contract. He eventually got a new four-year deal worth over $40 million.

Hester missed one game due to a rib injury. He returned and caught his first touchdown of the season against the Philadelphia Eagles. He then became a starting wide receiver. He caught five passes for 66 yards and a touchdown in one game. He started getting more playing time as a wide receiver.

Hester ended the season with 51 catches for a team-high 665 yards. Unlike his first two seasons, he did not score any return touchdowns. His coach, Lovie Smith, said they found a good balance for him as a punt returner and a developing receiver. Hester was also chosen to play in the 2009 Pro Bowl as an alternate.

2009 Season: Top Receiver Role

With the new quarterback Jay Cutler, Hester became the main wide receiver. In the first game, he caught seven passes for 90 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown. He continued to play well with Cutler. He had 634 receiving yards and three touchdowns in the first ten weeks. His best game was against the Cincinnati Bengals, where he caught eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown.

Hester missed three games due to a calf injury. Despite this, he led the team with 757 receiving yards. He planned to work on his receiving and returning skills in the offseason.

2010 Season: Record-Breaking Returns Again

Hester worked on his speed and conditioning. He also got advice from former NFL player Isaac Bruce on how to be a better wide receiver.

On September 19, Hester caught a one-handed touchdown pass against the Dallas Cowboys. The next week, he returned a punt for a 62-yard touchdown against the Green Bay Packers. This was his first return touchdown since 2007. On October 17, Hester returned another punt for an 89-yard touchdown. This tied the record for most combined kick and punt return touchdowns in a career (13).

Two weeks later, Hester returned a punt 64 yards for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings. This set a new NFL record for combined kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns with 14. It was also his tenth career punt return touchdown, tying another record.

Hester finished the season with 40 catches for 475 yards and four touchdowns. As a return specialist, he had 564 punt return yards and three touchdowns. He was the third-highest scorer for the Bears. His great season earned him two Special Teams Player of the Week Awards. He also went to the 2011 Pro Bowl and was selected for the All-Pro Team.

2011 Season: More Records Broken

Hester receiving a punt in 2011

Before the 2011 season, the NFL changed a rule about kickoffs. They moved the kickoff line forward to reduce injuries. This meant more kicks went for touchbacks, and there were fewer returns.

On October 2, 2011, Hester became the NFL's all-time leader in punt return touchdowns. He returned a punt 69 yards for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers. This broke Eric Metcalf's record. On October 16, Hester returned a kickoff for a 98-yard touchdown. On November 13, he returned another punt 82 yards for a touchdown.

2012 Season: Reduced Role

In 2012, Hester's role as a wide receiver was reduced. The Bears planned to use him in special plays called the "Hester Package." He caught 23 passes and one touchdown that season. He did not return any kicks or punts for touchdowns.

2013 Season: Return Specialist Focus

When Marc Trestman became the Bears' head coach, Hester played only as a return specialist. In week two, he set a team record for most kickoff return yards in a game with 249. Four weeks later, he became the Bears' all-time leader in kickoff return yards.

Against the Washington Redskins, Hester returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown. This was his 19th career return touchdown, tying Deion Sanders' record. Hester also led the league in kickoff return yards in 2013.

The Bears decided not to re-sign Hester after the 2013 season. He thanked the team and fans for their support. The Bears' general manager said Hester had "redefined the pinnacle standard of the return position in the NFL."

Atlanta Falcons

Hester with the Atlanta Falcons in 2014

Hester signed a three-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons in 2014. In his first game with the Falcons, he caught five passes for 99 yards. This helped the Falcons win their first game. In week 3, Hester returned a 62-yard punt for his 20th career touchdown return. This broke the record for career non-offensive touchdowns. He also scored a rushing touchdown in the same game. Hester was named the NFC's Special Teams Player of the Week. He finished the season with 504 receiving yards and led the NFL in kickoff return yards. He was also chosen for the 2015 Pro Bowl.

Hester missed most of the 2015 season due to a toe injury. He played in the final five games but only on special teams. He had foot surgery in January 2016. The Falcons released Hester in July 2016. He said he still wanted to play in the NFL once he was fully recovered.

Baltimore Ravens

On September 4, 2016, Hester signed a one-year deal with the Baltimore Ravens. He played in 12 games as a return specialist. He had 180 punt return yards and 466 kick return yards. However, he did not score any touchdowns. The Ravens released him in December.

Seattle Seahawks

Hester signed with the Seattle Seahawks in January 2017. He played in two playoff games for them. In the Divisional Round, he returned five kickoffs for 194 yards. After the game, Hester announced he planned to retire from professional football.

Retirement and Hall of Fame Legacy

On December 12, 2017, Hester officially announced his retirement from the NFL. The Chicago Bears honored him and former teammate Matt Forte in April 2018. They signed special one-day contracts to retire as members of the Bears.

Devin Hester finished his 11-season career with over 10,000 yards returning punts and kickoffs. He holds an NFL record with 20 touchdown returns. He was also selected to four Pro Bowls. He is known as one of the greatest return specialists in NFL history. His former coach said Hester changed how teams thought about special teams. He made teams value return specialists more.

On February 8, 2024, Devin Hester was selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He became the first player whose main job was a return specialist to make it into the Hall of Fame.

NFL Career Statistics

Regular season

Postseason

In a 2006 regular season game against the New York Giants, Hester returned a missed field goal 108 yards for a touchdown, giving him 6 total TDs on the season.

NFL Records Held by Devin Hester

• Most combined special teams return touchdowns, career: 20 (14 punts, 5 kickoffs, 1 missed field goal)
• Most non-offensive touchdowns, career: 20
• Most kickoff and punt return touchdowns, career: 19
• Punt return 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 many other players
• Combined return touchdowns, season: 6 (2007) (4 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Combined return touchdowns, rookie, season: 6 (2006) (3 punts, 2 kickoffs, 1 missed field goal)
• Combined return touchdowns, game: 2, twice
  • 2, Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams, December 11, 2006 (2 kickoffs)
  • 2, Chicago Bears vs. Denver Broncos, 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)
• Fastest Touchdown in Super Bowl history: 14 seconds

Chicago Bears Franchise Records

• Most punt returns, lifetime: 264
• Most punt return yards, lifetime: 3,241 yards
• Most punt return yards, season: 651 yards (2007)
• Most punt return yards, game: 152 yards, at Arizona Cardinals, October 16, 2006
• Highest average, yards per punt return, season [min. 15 returns]: 17.1 (2010)
  • Hester returned 33 punts for 564 yards.
• Highest average, yards per punt return, game [min. 3 returns]: 40.7, vs. Detroit Lions, November 13, 2011
  • Hester returned 3 punts for 122 yards.
• Most punt return touchdowns, lifetime: 14
• Most punt return touchdowns, season: 4
• Most punt return touchdowns, game: 1
  • Achieved several times and tied with many players
• Most punt return fair catches, lifetime: 79
• Most kickoff returns, lifetime: 222
• Most kickoff return yards, lifetime: 5,510 yards
• Most kickoff return yards, game: 249 yards, vs. Minnesota Vikings, September 15, 2013
• Highest average, yards per kickoff return, game [min. 3 returns]: 56.3, at St. Louis Rams, December 11, 2006
  • Hester returned 4 kickoffs for 225 yards.
• Most kickoff return touchdowns, game: 2, at St. Louis Rams, December 11, 2006
• Most combined return yards, lifetime: 8,751 yards (p-3,241, k-5,510)
• Most combined return yards, game: 314 yards, at Detroit Lions, September 30, 2007 (p-95, k-219)
• Most combined return touchdowns, lifetime: 20 (p-14, k-5, missed fg-1)
• Most combined return touchdowns, season: 6 in 2006 (p-3, k-2, missed fg-1)

6 in 2007 (p-4, k-2)

• Most combined return touchdowns, game: 2, twice
  • 2, at St. 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
  • tied with Nathan Vasher

Personal Life and Public Appearances

Devin Hester married Zingha Walcott, an elementary school teacher, in 2010. They have three sons and live in Windermere, Florida. Hester grew up in a Christian household and brought a Bible to every game. He is cousins with Aaron Hester, who played in the Canadian Football League.

Hester's amazing rookie year made him very popular. He was offered marketing deals from big companies. There was also a huge demand for his jerseys in Chicago. Hester was invited to throw the first pitch and sing at a Chicago Cubs baseball game. He appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated for Kids with teammates.

In the video game Madden NFL 08, Hester had a perfect 100 speed rating. This made him the fastest player in the game's history. He also appeared in commercials for Under Armour. In 2013, Hester even raced a cheetah in a competition sponsored by National Geographic.

In 2013, Hester started a non-profit organization called the Anytime 23 Empowerment Center Inc. It provides a positive and safe place for kids aged 6–18. The organization was later renamed the "Devin Hester Foundation."

See also

In Spanish: Devin Hester para niños