Devin Hester Kick Returner Extraordinaire

Born on November 4, 1982, in Riviera Beach, Florida, Devin Hester revolutionized the role of the return specialist in the National Football League with his unparalleled speed and electrifying playmaking ability.  

College Career

Hester was a versatile player for the Miami Hurricanes from 2003 to 2005, showcasing his talents on offense, defense, and special teams. He earned First-team All-American honors as a kick returner in 2004 and was a First-team All-ACC selection in both 2004 and 2005. During his time at Miami, Hester recorded six return touchdowns (four punt, two kickoff), one blocked field goal return for a touchdown, one rushing touchdown, and one receiving touchdown. Defensively, he tallied five interceptions. His explosive speed was also evident on the track, where he won the 2004 Big EAST Indoor long jump title.  

Road to the Pro Game

Hester's exceptional skills as a return specialist made him a coveted prospect in the 2006 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears selected him in the second round (57th overall), recognizing his potential to impact the game in a unique way. He quickly lived up to the hype, making an immediate impact as a rookie and establishing himself as a game-changing returner.  

Football Legacy

Devin Hester played 11 seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Chicago Bears (2006-2013), and later with the Atlanta Falcons (2014-2015), Baltimore Ravens (2016), and Seattle Seahawks (2016). He is widely regarded as the greatest return specialist of all time and the only primary return specialist inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2024). Hester holds the NFL record for the most career return touchdowns (20) and the most career punt return touchdowns (14). His electrifying returns, including the only opening kickoff returned for a touchdown in Super Bowl history (XLI), made him must-watch television and struck fear into opposing special teams units. He was also a capable receiver, recording 255 receptions for 3,311 yards and 16 touchdowns in his career.  

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

Devin Hester's numerous accolades include three First-team All-Pro selections (2006, 2007, 2010), four Pro Bowl selections (2007, 2008, 2011, 2015), and selection to both the NFL 2000s and 2010s All-Decade Teams, as well as the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team. He led the NFL in punt return yards twice (2006, 2010) and kickoff return yards twice (2013, 2014). He was also a three-time NFL Alumni Special Teams Player of the Year. In his NFL career, Hester returned 295 kickoffs for 7,333 yards and five touchdowns, and 315 punts for 3,695 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also returned a missed field goal for a 108-yard touchdown. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024 and the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.