Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said he anticipated Devin Hester’s fall from grace as a kick returner after doubling up as Chicago’s No. 1 receiver.

“There has never been a No. 1 receiver and a No. 1 kick returner. If there’s never been one, there’s probably a reason for that,” Angelo said. “We wanted to escalate his playing time and that’s the course we chose to go down, and his returns did suffer.”

Angelo doesn’t regret it because Hester finished with 665 yards on 51 catches in his first full season as a receiver. No other Bears wide receiver had even 450 yards.

“The one thing we know about Devin, and he showed it at receiver, is he is a playmaker,” Angelo said. “When you get a playmaker, you want to make sure you get him the ball the best way you can to make as many plays as he can on Sunday.”

Hester, who smashed NFL records for returns his first two seasons, was benched as Chicago’s kick returner at midseason and finished 23rd in punt returns (6.2 average). Danieal Manning replaced Hester on kickoffs and led the NFL (29.7). Manning will continue to lighten Hester’s load next year.

“His plate was full there for a while,” coach Lovie Smith said Monday of Hester. “We think we have a happy medium for him now as a punt returner and for him to continue to develop as a receiver.”

(galesburg.com)

When Bears coach Lovie Smith said back in training camp that he thought Devin Hester could become a No. 1 receiver in the NFL, he didn't necessarily mean this year, but that's how quickly it has happened.

Over the past four weeks, Hester has caught more passes (17) for more yards (250) than any wide receiver, tight end or running back on the team. His yardage is double that of any other player on the team in the last month.

In the past four games, he has caught more passes than all of the Bears' other wide receivers combined and has more than twice as much yardage.

Hester and the Bears will be playing for more than just pride tonight when Green Bay visits Soldier Field, thanks to some huge breaks over the weekend.

For starters, the Bears must win tonight and Sunday at Houston to have any chance. Then, if Minnesota, which lost Sunday at home to Atlanta, loses again Sunday to the New York Giants, the Bears will be NFC North champions.

If the Vikings do win, the Bears can still make it as a wild card if the Cowboys lose at Philadelphia AND the Bucs lose at home to Oakland.
They would lose the tiebreaker to Tampa Bay because they lost 27-24 to the Bucs in overtime in Week 3 and to Dallas because of strength of victory.

First things first, though, for the Bears. If anyone can make the Packers' secondary pay tonight for its in-your-face press coverage, it is the blazing-fast Hester.

"He's improved a lot throughout the year," offensive coordinator Ron Turner said. "But the last few weeks you can really see he's playing a lot faster. He's playing with a lot more confidence. He's not thinking as much. He's just coming out and playing and reacting, which is a natural transition for someone learning to play the position."

Part of the reason Hester has emerged as the Bears' No. 1 wide receiver is that other players have failed to produce. But part of it is his own maturation at a position that's still relatively new to him.

Hester was a cornerback as a rookie in 2006, and last season he was spoon-fed after making the switch to wide receiver, catching 20 passes for 299 yards, with 11 of the catches and 160 of the yards coming in the final four games.

He had never started a game in the NFL at wide receiver until opening day this season, and he only has started six times in his pro career, although his playing time has been increasing.

"He's improved quite a bit in all phases as far as being a receiver," coach Lovie Smith said. "Running routes is a part of it. A lot goes into it. It's hard to just move over there in a year and expect a guy to have everything down, but he has made improvement each week.

"You just look at his last game and the threat that he was as a receiver. He's becoming the threat that we thought he would become."

Hester's numbers last week against the New Orleans Saints were modest: 4 catches for 46 yards. But he also drew pass-interference penalties of 39 and 38 yards, the second of which put the Bears in position for the game-winning field goal in overtime.

Hester has been a hot Bears topic all season, but much of the attention has been negative because of his steep decline in production as a kick-returner.

He scored 11 touchdowns on kickoff and punt returns in his first two seasons, setting the NFL record as a rookie with 5 in 2006 and eclipsing it last season with 6.

By comparison, this year has been a major disappointment.

Hester is averaging a pedestrian 5.6 yards on punt returns, 23rd in the NFL and less than half his career average of 14.1 yards. His kickoff-return average of 21.9 yards is 32nd in the league, and he has been replaced by Danieal Manning, who is averaging an NFL-best 29.5.

It seems everyone has a theory for Hester's demise in the return game.

After a brief training-camp holdout, Hester signed a four-year contract extension that included $15 million in guaranteed money and could be worth as much as $40 million if he puts up elite numbers as a wide receiver.

It has been speculated that Hester's struggles in the return game are the result of trying to live up the money or the extra work he's putting in to become a go-to wide receiver.

But Smith said it's more about the unrealistic expectations of others.

"I think what weighed on Devin was probably just the type of success he had the first two years," Smith said. "He's spoiled all of us to where, if he's not scoring every time he touches the ball, it's 'What's wrong with Devin?'

"I see a guy who's developing his entire game. Returns haven't been exactly the way we would like, but as a receiver we're getting No. 1-type receiver play. We like where he's (going). Hopefully we'll see him take another step this week."

And why not? Hester has done some of his best work on a national stage.

(dailyherald.com)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Devin Hester has blossomed on offense in recent weeks, catching 17 passes for 250 yards in his last four games—the most productive stretch in his two seasons as a Bears wide receiver.

“He’s improved a lot really throughout the year,” said offensive coordinator Ron Turner. “But the last few weeks you can really see he’s playing a lot faster, he’s playing with a lot more confidence and he’s not thinking as much. He’s just playing and reacting, which is a natural transition for someone learning to play the position.”

After he entered the NFL as a cornerback in 2006, Hester was switched to receiver and responded with 20 receptions for 299 yards and 2 touchdowns last season. A year later, the dynamic playmaker has 43 catches for 568 yards and 3 TDs with two games remaining.

The familiarity that comes with playing the same position for a second straight season has benefited Hester, who played cornerback, receiver and running back at the University of Miami.

“It’s got to be tough when you go through college being flip-flopped around and then you get to the NFL and get flip-flopped around,” said tight end Desmond Clark.

“But from last year to this year, it’s a huge difference. He knows the playbook for one. He’s not out there thinking about what he has to do. He’s out there just playing. He can go out and just let his athletic ability take over instead of thinking about what he’s got to do.”

A record-breaking return specialist in his first two seasons with the Bears, Hester has flashed the same big-play ability on offense in recent weeks. Four of his six longest receptions this year have come in the last four games, highlighted by a 65-yard touchdown at Minnesota.

“He’s improved quite a bit in all phases as far as being a receiver,” said coach Lovie Smith. “It’s hard to just move over there in a year and expect a guy to have everything down, but he has made improvement each week. He’s becoming the threat we thought he would become.”

“This being his second year in the offense, it usually takes about that long before you get comfortable with any offense because you’ve got to think about learning an offense like learning a foreign language because of all the different terminology you’ve got to know,” Clark said.

In last Thursday night’s 27-24 overtime win over the Saints, Hester caught four passes for 46 yards while also setting up a touchdown and the winning field goal by drawing pass interference penalties of 38 and 39 yards. 

The Bears (8-6) hope that Hester will build off that outing Monday night when they host the Packers (5-9).

“He has been making [steady] improvement, but the last three or four games he’s really come on and made plays down the field,” said quarterback Kyle Orton. “He has a confidence in his route running, and it’s helped. He’s made big plays and we need him to make some this week.”

Hester’s productivity on offense increased as soon as he was replaced by Danieal Manning on kickoff returns, but Turner doesn’t believe there’s a connection.

“Not at all,” he said. “I just see it as having to do with getting more reps. He’s still a very young receiver, and it’s just getting reps. At some point for those guys playing that position it starts to click, and it started to click a few weeks ago.”

Whether or not Hester’s recent performance on offense is related to his removal from kick returns, many feel that the 11 kicks he returned for touchdowns in his first two seasons created unrealistic expectations for him as a receiver.

“When you saw what he could do on special teams and then when people thought about him as a receiver, they just automatically thought it was going to transfer over to receiver,” Clark said. “But there are a lot more things that go into playing receiver than meets the eye. 

First of all, you’ve got to know the offense and it takes a while to get that. The first year that Ron had this offense here [in 2005], we were terrible because we didn’t know the offense as well. It takes a little while and it’s unfair to expect him to do what he did as a returner at receiver.”

“I think what weighed on Devin was probably just the type of success he had the first two years as much as anything,” Smith said. “He’s spoiled all of us where if he’s not scoring every time he touches the ball, it’s ‘What’s wrong with Devin?’

“I see a guy that’s developing his entire game. Returns haven’t been exactly the way we would like, but as a receiver we’re getting 1-type receiver play, which is good. Hopefully we’ll see him take another step this week.”

(chicagobears.com)

This would be an ideal week for Devin Hester to rediscover his electric side and return a kick for a score.

First, he would do so in front of his mentor, Deion Sanders, the NFL Network's sideline reporter for Thursday night's game against New Orleans. Plus, Hester's last return for a touchdown came last December at Soldier Field—a 64-yard punt return against the Saints.

Hester joked that a touchdown return might impress Pro Bowl voters.

"Last season that return was kind of the nail in the coffin," he said. "Maybe this season it could change the momentum. Most definitely I feel it's something I could do."

Hester has 57 total returns this year without a touchdown.
(chicagotribune.com)

When Kyle Orton saw Devin Hester with just one defender lined up against him, and the rest of the defense crowding the line, he changed the play call, took the ball and fired to Hester for 30 yards. It was a perfect combination, where quarterback, receiver, and even the ball all are together as one.

But what page were they on, exactly? What wavelength?

Was that play in the fourth quarter Sunday the outcome of a budding telepathy, the start of one of those special QB-receiver relationships? I don’t think so. It was a simple fade that worked, because the only time Hester is a great receiver is when the playbook in his head says one thing:
Run like hell.

Well, that worked for big plays twice, as the Bears beat Jacksonville 23-10 at Soldier Field to stay one game behind Minnesota for first place.
People will remember those two plays, and also Hester’s decent punt return, when he nearly, finally, almost broke one for a touchdown. Instead, he stepped out of bounds for no reason.

But what I remember best was a play late in the third quarter, when Orton threw quickly to Hester along the sideline, who seemed baffled by the idea that the ball might be coming at all. Or where he was on the field. Or what his route was.

‘‘You’re wrong about that,’’ Hester said. ‘‘I didn’t run any wrong routes today.’’

Hester is the biggest mystery on this team, also the most fascinating. Never has someone been so dominant for two years and then appeared so clueless the next. He has gone from the best return man in history to one of the worst in the league. Have you ever seen anyone lose 5 yards on a fair catch? Hester did it Sunday.

He dropped two punt returns and two passes, stepped out of bounds on his one good return. And of course, he has lost the job of returning kickoffs.

You still can’t take your eyes off of him because of what might happen. But what he’s doing is too painful to watch.

The problem now, though, is his receiving. You’ve heard the talk that he might have lost his hunger because the Bears gave him the big contract. That’s not it. The problem is that Hester ran free as a returner. He ran like hell. As a receiver, he’s supposed to run routes.

The Bears have coached the abandon out of him.

Someone asked him if he would be willing to give up receiving and focus again solely on returns. Hester said, ‘‘Whatever the coaches feel. ... I’m just trying to win ballgames.’’

But that won’t help anymore. The Bears need him to develop as a receiver, but despite his big plays, there is little evidence that he’s learning.
Marty Booker, a receiver who has been around for a while, disagrees.

‘‘When you’re playing in your first year [as a receiver] it’s tough to grasp and adjust,’’ he said. ‘‘That’s what’s expected. Each time, he’s getting better. As of this point, he’s a good go-to guy.’’

Booker could barely breathe, by the way. When the TV cameras were there, he stood smiled and said how nice it was to play Sunday. When they left, his voice kept dropping down to a loud, gravelly whisper, as he sat back down in front of his locker. When he put on his socks, he half-groaned, half screamed.

‘‘My ribs,’’ he said. ‘‘I’ve broken them before. I don’t know for sure if I broke them this time. But it’s going to really be bad tonight. I’m trying to figure out how I’m going to sleep tonight.’’

Let’s see. Booker might have broken ribs. Rookie Earl Bennett, for god knows what reason, apparently is unusable. Brandon Lloyd, same thing. Rashied Davis, mediocre at best.

The Bears need Hester.

The entire offense can’t rely solely on the rushing and catching of running back Matt Forte — ‘‘He has probably taken years off his career,’’ Booker said — two good tight ends and a stable quarterback.

It has so far, I guess. And Orton tries to spread the ball to several receivers. But the Bears need at least one good one to stretch the field and confuse defenses a little, especially if they hope to not only get to the playoffs, but to do something when they’re there.

‘‘Sometimes you catch `em, sometimes you drop ’em,’’ Orton said when asked about Hester. ‘‘Sometimes you throw a good ball, sometimes you don’t.’’

Something about the Bears’ offense reminds me of my dog, who has torn the ACL, the main knee ligament, in both back legs. I’m not sure what she’s walking on, exactly, but she does seem to manage to keep moving forward.

Well, the Orton-Hester telepathy is not exactly Montana-Rice, but it’s all the Bears have now. Hester said he and Orton talk all the time during games and practices about coverages and what the safeties are doing.

‘‘The more repetitions you get, just like anything in life, the more relaxed and comfortable you are with it,’’ he said.

Maybe he’s learning, and someday will know all the nuances and have a special connection with Orton. But all he has now, all Orton gets out of him, is iffy concentration and an amazing ability to run like you know what.

(suntimes.com)

Devin Hester caught three passes for 67 yards and a touchdown, and also rushed once for three yards in a Week 13 loss to the Vikings.
Hester displayed his explosiveness when he took a reception to the house for a 5-yard score on a short post route in the first quarter, but did little outside of that. The Bears clearly were trying to incorporate him early on though, as he was targeted five times in the first quarter alone.

(rotoworld.com)

Devin Hester has been getting blistered for failing to deliver big runbacks on kicks this season, and now Chicago Bears great Gale Sayers is piling on.

"It looks like he's afraid to run back kickoffs," the Hall of Famer tells the Chicago Tribune's Fred Mitchell.

In terms of technique and strategy, Sayers says the problem is that all of Hester's returns have been made to the middle of the field, and that he hasn't tried to break outside.

"He's running straight up the field and everybody is tackling him," says Sayers, who was an outstanding kick returner in his seven-year career.  "He looks like he's afraid to go out on his own."

"Run to the left," Sayers says emphatically.  "You have the whole field!"

Hester returned 11 kicks for touchdowns his first two seasons, but has none this year. Sayers suggests the punishment Hester is taking while playing more at wide receiver also could be a factor.

"Does that have anything to do with him as a return player now because he takes the hard shots? Maybe he doesn't like getting hit . . . I don't know."

(usatoday.com)

Devin Hester's inability to excel in the return game this season appears to have taken a toll on the Bear.

"It's tough on me. I don't even like going outside now," Hester said Wednesday. "I just want to find that edge and overcome it."

Hester was asked if he has lost his confidence. Danieal Manning replaced him on kickoffs during the fourth quarter of Sunday's loss to the Packers.

"I haven't lost any confidence," Hester said. "I'm the type when I get my opportunity, I'm going to make the most of it."

Hester entered the season with 12 career returns for touchdowns, including a 108-yard return of a missed field goal and kickoff returns of 96 and 94 yards at St. Louis two seasons ago. His longest return this season is 51 yards.

"It just hasn't gone the way I thought it would," Hester said. "I could say it's my fault, but there are 11 guys on the field. [Still,] I know at the end of the day, I'll get blamed for the return game."

(chicagotribune.com)

Bears special teams coach Dave Toub pulled Devin Hester off kick returns in favor of Danieal Manning in the second half of Sunday's loss to Green Bay.
Toub wanted "a spark," which is what Hester used to add. Manning, who led the league in preseason return yards, has averaged 26.5 yards a return this year to Hester's 21.8. Opponents now kick right at Hester, which may be the most telling sign that his special teams production is at an all-time low.

(rotoworld.com)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Home-run hitter Devin Hester may be in a slump, but that doesn’t mean that he won’t knock one out of the park Sunday when the Bears host the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field.

The two-time All Pro is still seeking his first kick return touchdown of the season after breaking the NFL record in each of his first two years with five scores in 2005 and six in 2006. 

Hester currently ranks 20th in the NFL in punt returns (6.2-yard average) and 31st in kickoff returns (20.9-yard average).

“I don’t see Devin struggling in the return game,” said Titans coach Jeff Fisher. “If Devin can break three runs in the next three weeks, he’d be leading the league in both categories. 

"That’s how the return game is. He’s making good decisions. He’s catching the ball. He’s very close.”

It would be difficult to find a NFL coach who appreciates what Hester is able to do more than Fisher, who returned punts during four seasons with the Bears from 1981-84.

As a matter of fact, Fisher’s single-season franchise record of 509 punt-return yards set in 1981 stood for 25 years until Hester shattered it with 600 yards as a rookie in 2006.

Fisher still holds Bears marks for punt returns in a game (8) and season (58). His 88-yard punt return touchdown in a 28-17 win over the Buccaneers on Sept. 20, 1981 at Soldier Field was the longest by a Bears player in 39 years.

Hester, meanwhile, brought back a punt 20 yards in last Sunday’s 27-23 victory over the Lions, his longest return since a 25-yarder in the Bears’ 29-13 season-opening win at Indianapolis.

“He was very close against Detroit,” Fisher said. “He’s a step away. We don’t see him as struggling. We see him as one of the all-time returners ever to play the game, so it’s going to be quite a challenge for us.

(chicagobears.com)

Special Hester simply ordinary as wide receiver

Mike North: Well, Dan, it happened. My greatest fears have been realized when it comes to Devin Hester.

The Bears have turned Devin into an ordinary ballplayer with extraordinary skills. When I first heard there was a chance the Bears would play him on offense, I was surprised. Hester is a superstar punt and kick returner. They gave him his new deal not because of what he may do in the future, but basically because of what he had done in the past.

He is the best punt returner and kickoff returner I've ever seen. But as a receiver he is simply ordinary. Last week: four catches for 37 yards. Those are Tom Waddle numbers, which is fine, but with all due respect, Hester should be a special-teams player only. He looks beat up; he is playing careful and he is thinking too much.

The only time he should be on offense is in the wildcat offense, where he would get a direct snap. I wanted that last year. This year, back to the bread and butter: kickoff returns and punt returns. He's had two injuries this year. He has not returned a kickoff or punt for a touchdown. He is very turnover-prone. His days of being a Pro Bowler are in jeopardy unless things change, and change quickly.

He was a missile and he can be again. Devin Hester got the Bears to the Super Bowl. He was the man. Lovie, call off the wide receiver experience and let him do his thing. If special teams is truly one-third of a team and not just coach-speak, then put him back into his comfort zone. He may catch a bomb from Rex this week, but in the long run, the opposition loves getting their shots at Devin on offense. Let him attack on special teams only.

Best-case scenario, he plays special-teams only -- and he runs one back eventually. Worst-case is he runs over the middle and gets knocked out for a year. Now people will say, ''That's football.'' I say, ''True, but limit his chances of injury. One job and one job only.''

The Bears can make him special again.

Don't remove essential facet of better offense

Dan Jiggetts: Are you kidding? If it were up to me, I would play Devin Hester at cornerback as well. Check that. It was tried and wasn't the best of times. Look, Mike, you can't lose sight of the objective of the offense, which is to put points on the board. After all, six points is still six points, it doesn't matter if they come from the return game or the passing game. The fact is, Devin Hester is a difference-maker. However you can get the football in his hands, you have to do it.

It isn't enough to just relegate Hester to returning punts and kickoffs. Granted, he did develop into an All-Pro by doing that, but teams have now schemed to keep the ball out of his hands. What that means for the opposing teams is they often end up sacrificing field position. The Bears end up with the ball past the 30-yard line on kickoffs and punts are not as deep.

Keep in mind, with all the balls being kicked to him in 2007 -- 59 in all -- he returned six for touchdowns. That's why it is imperative that you find other ways to exploit his talents, play him at wide receiver. While he may have taken some time to get comfortable at the position, Devin has become a gifted receiver with an uncanny understanding of the game. The wide receiver position is a complex one. The position requires the same skills as a quarterback when it comes to reading the defense, and he must execute the play while coordinating with the quarterback. Devin has proven that he has the ability to do all that.

So, my friend, the Beloved now have one of the best return men in the business and a receiver with game-breaking abilities. Just imagine the day when Kyle Orton and Devin Hester fully develop as a combination. Throwing the football will become more than just a passing fancy here in
Chicago: It will be expected. Bernard Berrian, the deep threat, is gone to the Vikings and we haven't seen much of Brandon Lloyd because of injury. It is clear Hester isn't just a luxury at receiver, he is indeed an essential element.

(suntimes.com)

As long as a search party already is looking for Brian Urlacher, would it be too much to ask that it keep an eye out for Devin Hester?

Remember the off-season howls from fans and media that Hester deserved a big, fat contract extension because it was sooooooo obvious he should be paid like a No. 1 receiver? Those howls were based on the idea that his wizardry as a kick returner was transferable to the wide receiver position.

Say this about the Bears: They might not always be right about personnel decisions, but they were right to sign Hester to a deal that was so heavy on incentives he needed a forklift to take it home. And for those of you who thought it was an outrage that this incredible athlete be deprived of more millions up front, now you know why the Bears showed restraint.

The rush to involve Hester as a receiver this season has been a disaster—not so much for the offense, though that has been a big disappointment, but for special teams. The guy who once struck fear in the hearts of opponents on every return now spends his time catching a punt or kickoff, putting his head down and running straight into a pile.

The Devin Hester who saw holes and seams that few other players could see is nowhere to be found. The man with the lightning speed is missing.

There's a dreadlocked impostor out there pretending to be Hester, but it can't be him. This Devin Hester looks human. Opponents who in previous years wouldn't have been able to lay a finger on him now are tackling him easily.

It doesn't take a degree in molecular biology to figure it out. He's a house divided. And as everyone knows, a house divided cannot take it to the house.

Given that his touchdown returns were the difference in more than a few games in his first two seasons, and given that he has had no impact on offense this season, now would be a good time to tell him to concentrate on what he does best.

"Concentrate" is the key word. It's clear that Hester doesn't consider his main occupation to be kick returner anymore. He's putting his thoughts and energy into being a receiver, and it's apparent even that has been overwhelming for him. He has too much on his plates, plural.

It's not all his fault. The Bears clearly haven't put him in the best position to succeed on offense.

I'm not suggesting they completely take away his receiving responsibilities. I'm suggesting they simplify things for him, lighten his load and specifically throw him short passes to allow him to make something happen after the catch.

(chicagotribune.com)

This was the game in which many Bear watchers expected Devin Hester to make a significant impact on the outcome.

They were right, but not nearly the way many envisioned Hester affecting the Bears' 27-23 victory over the Lions.

Hester fumbled a kickoff return with 13 minutes 21 seconds left in the second quarter that Lions linebacker Alex Lewis forced and recovered. One play later Detroit scored on a 17-yard touchdown pass from Dan Orlovsky to Calvin Johnson to give the Lions a 13-10 lead.

Buoyed by the momentum swing Hester's turnover created, Detroit scored all 23 of their points in the second quarter — an avalanche that started with the fumble.

"It was a good play by him," Hester said. "I had the ball close to my body, and he just reached out and made a great play on it."

Lewis did, but Hester's role in the mistake capped a disappointing first half of the season for the Pro Bowl return man. He has averaged just 20.9 yards on 20 kickoff returns and 6.2 yards per punt return without a touchdown. Against the Lions, a team that had given up an 80-yard touchdown return one week earlier to Santana Moss, Hester managed just 16.3 yards per kickoff return and 10.5 yards per punt return.

Hesterized, the Lions were not.

"The things we did last year we can't do this year," Hester said. "Like I said from the beginning, it's a new group of guys [blocking]. I don't want to get into no details and start complaining, but we just have to get adjusted to ourselves and figure out which side is strength and which side is weak."

The loss of Pro Bowl special-teams player Brendon Ayanbadejo has hurt. The reputation of Hester has made the bull's-eye on his back bigger too. But the Bears object to the idea that his increased role in the offense has affected his returns, and he doesn't agree that he has become more tentative.

"I don't feel like I'm playing it safe," Hester said. "In a game situation you have to know when to protect the ball and when to hit a home run. You have to say there's no I in team, and if [a chance is] there, I'll do what I do. But if it's not there, secure the ball and do what I can."

(chicagotribune.com)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – You can't buy what Devin Hester wants most for his birthday at any store. But it could be delivered Sunday at Soldier Field when the Bears host the Detroit Lions.

The two-time All Pro is still seeking his first kick return touchdown of the season after breaking the NFL record in each of his first two years with five scores in 2005 and six in 2006.

“That would probably be the best birthday gift I got,” said Hester, who will turn 26 on Tuesday.

In six games this season—he sat out a loss to Tampa Bay Sept. 21 with a rib injury—the dynamic playmaker ranks 21st in the NFL in punt returns with an average of 5.4 yards. 

Hester, however, has only had 11 punt returns after having 20 at this point last year. In his first two seasons, he scored seven TDs on 89 returns, a ratio of one TD for every 12.7 returns.

Hester is 27th in the league in kickoff returns with a 22.1-yard average, though his presence alone has caused opponents to employ squib and bloop kicks, which have routinely resulted in excellent field position. The Bears rank first in the NFC and fourth in the NFL with an average starting field position after kickoffs at their own 29.3-yard line.

Hester, though, still wants to get into the end zone.

“I put all the pressure on myself and say that it is kind of my fault that the return game is not the way it was,” Hester said. “At the end of the day, I’m the one with the ball in my hands. I have to be the one to figure it out and pick up the slack.

“If something breaks down, that’s why they rely on me. I have to be the one to step up and make big plays. It hasn’t been the way it’s been, so I take some of the blame for it.”

While coaches appreciate the accountability from their young superstar, they also stress that the return game is a team effort that involves all 11 players on the field.

“He assumes he is going to score every time he touches the football,” said coach Lovie Smith. “I can see why a guy like that would think that way, but it has been a lot more than just Devin. We need to do some things to help him out—mainly block better—to give him more opportunities.

“It’s just a matter of time. The second half of the season, Devin like the rest of our football team can make a lot of improvement, and I expect that to happen.”

Smith acknowledged that Hester’s unprecedented success in his first two seasons probably created some unrealistic expectations.

“We had never seen anything like it before,” said the Bears coach. “Now after seven games he hasn’t scored seven times and we’re kind of wondering what is going on. But there is a lot of football left to go. We need Devin—just like the rest of our players—to step up, and he will.”

Hester has emerged as a regular contributor on offense with 18 receptions for 215 yards and 2 TDs. But he doesn’t believe that his development as a receiver has hindered his return ability.

“To be honest, I’m not tired when it’s time to return kickoffs and punts, so I wouldn’t say that’s a reason,” Hester said. “But I do know I have to get better and what I’m capable of doing.”

(chicagobears.com)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Devin Hester blames himself for the longest stretch of games he's ever experienced without a touchdown return.

The third-year wide receiver and Pro Bowl returner has gone all seven games this season without taking into the end zone.

His last TD return came on a kickoff against New Orleans in the 2007 season finale.

"I kind of put all the pressure on myself and say that it is kind of my fault that the return game is not the way that (it was)," Hester said Wednesday as the Chicago Bears, coming off a bye, got ready for Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field.

"I put all pressure on me because at the end of the day, I'm the one with the ball in my hands. I have to be the one to figure it out and pick up the slack. If something breaks down, that's why they rely on me," he added.

"As far as the return game, I have to be the one to step up and make big plays. It hasn't been the way it's been, so I kind of take some of the blame for it."

Hester is two TD returns short of Brian Mitchell's NFL career record of 13 regular-season TDs on punts or kickoffs. Hester actually has 13 total returned kicks for scores, but one came on a missed field goal and the other was a postseason kickoff return to open the 2007 Super Bowl.

Hester hasn't had a punt return longer than 9 yards since the opener. His long kickoff return is 51 yards against Philadelphia, and he hasn't had another longer than 28 yards.

"The type of career he has had so far, he assumes he is going to score every time he touches the football," Bears coach Lovie Smith said.

"I can see why a guy like that would think that way, but it has been a lot more than just Devin. We need to do some things to help him out - mainly, block better to give him more opportunities. It's just a matter of time. The second half of the season, Devin like the rest of our football team, can make a lot of improvement and I expect that to happen."

The Bears' return teams had a facelift in the offseason, and the loss of Pro Bowl special teams star Brendon Ayanbadejo to the Baltimore Ravens in free agency took a toll on returns. Injuries have also played a role.

Hester bruised ribs in a Week 2 loss at Carolina and missed the Week 3 loss to Tampa Bay. He suffered a bruised quad muscle in the Bears' last game, a 48-41 win over Minnesota.

Hester is playing extensively at wide receiver for the first time after receiving a $40 million contract extension at the outset of training camp. He has 18 catches and has become more of a threat, but it has led to speculation he is too tired to succeed in the return game.

"To be honest, I'm not tired when it's time to return kickoffs and punts, so I wouldn't say that's a reason why it's not like that," Hester said.

The Bears maintain Hester has helped in the return game despite his lack of breakaway runbacks. Most opponents squib kick or kick off high away from him. As a result, the Bears are fourth in the NFL in starting field position after kickoffs at the 29.3-yard line.

(kentucky.com)

n the win-at-all-costs world of professional football, conformity and uniformity tend to crush the will of the individual. The weekly grind of a season offers little time for the simple joys of life. Rarely does the thrill of creativity seize a team.

Which brings us to the bye week and the chance to reflect and tinker and maybe even have a little bit of fun. Things are going so well for the Bears -- well, for their offense, anyway -- that it might be a good time to dust off the old playbook and unleash some fun. Will the Bears work on the Wildcat offense during their bye week?

'We have played around with some of it,'' offensive coordinator Ron Turner said. ''We actually did some things last year in practice and in training camp this year that we haven't gotten to yet. You have to find ways to get your playmakers the ball. It's something we'll explore as our offense evolves.''

The Wildcat formation has taken the NFL by storm since the Dolphins unleashed it against the Patriots this season and produced four of their touchdowns in a surprise victory. If you haven't seen it yet, it's unique. The quarterback splits out wide and the ball is directly snapped to a running back, who either runs with the ball himself, hands off to another running back or begins some kind of gimmick play designed to stop a defense cold. Since the Dolphins used the formation to beat the Patriots and then the Chargers, it has found its way to Jacksonville, Cleveland, Atlanta, Oakland and most points in between. The Bucs unveiled a Wildcat play Sunday.

Ask any of the Bears' assorted playmakers about the possibility of taking a direct snap from center, and you will see their face light up.
''I would love to do that,'' said Devin Hester, the man most likely to get a direct snap in the Bears' offense. ''Oh, yeah. It's a great scheme. It seems like it is working for a lot of teams. ... I hope we get it in a game.''

Said running back Kevin Jones: ''It brings a little fun back to the game. That's some old-school stuff.''

Indeed, long before the Bears thrilled the nation with their T-formation, teams were running single-wing formations like the one the Dolphins have unveiled. The Dolphins adopted the strategy thanks to some wrangling and arm-twisting from quarterbacks coach David Lee, who came to the team from Arkansas, where Darren McFadden ran the Wildcat to much success last year. The Dolphins had Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams and figured it couldn't hurt to supercharge a moribund offense.

(chicagosuntimes.com)

Devin Hester said the bruised quad that knocked him out of Sunday's game was feeling a lot better on Monday.

Hester was injured on the opening kickoff of the second half when he took a helmet to the thigh, but he anticipates being back for the Lions after this weekend's off date.

The two-time Pro Bowl return specialist did not have an answer for his inability to break a long return yet this season.

"I don't know," he said. "I couldn't even answer that question."

At this point last season Hester already had 3 of his NFL-record 6 kick-return touchdowns. But, as he points out, that performance along with his 5 kick-return touchdowns in 2006, raised expectations to an unrealistic level.

"For the first two years we set a high expectation, and if we're not returning any punts or anything like that, then it's bad because you set your expectations so high," Hester said. "Right now we're working at it and getting better and better each week, and sooner or later it will come."

Hester's 22.1-yard kickoff-return average is just off his career average of 23.2, but he's averaging just 5.4 yards on punt returns, almost 9 yards below his career average of 14.1. Opponents continue to use every alternative to make it difficult for Hester to beat them.

They're just doing what they've been doing since last year toward the end of the season," Hester said. "A lot of bloop kicks, squibbing a lot, hanging the ball up in the air giving the defense time enough to get down, stuff like that."

(dailyherald.com)

CHICAGO (AP) — Chicago Bears kick returner and wide receiver Devin Hester injured a quadriceps muscle in the third quarter Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings and had to leave the game.

It was not immediately known how Hester got hurt, but he did return the second half kickoff and was initially charged with a fumble before video review reversed the call and gave the ball to the Bears.

Hester had two catches for 22 yards in the first half. On Minnesota's second kickoff of the third quarter, Hester was not back to return the kick.

Hester scored 11 TDs on kick returns during his first two regular seasons, seven on punts and four more on kickoffs. He also returned a missed field goal 108 yards in 2006 and ran back the opening kickoff in the Super Bowl against Indianapolis in February 2007 for a touchdown.

He has not returned a kick for a score this season, but has two touchdown catches.

(ap.com)

Devin Hester hasn't changed. The problem is with us, the media and fans who await his every return as though it carries the fulfillment of a messianic prophecy.

Hester is a flesh-and-blood return man, not a paranormal phenomenon. He's without peer at his craft, but he's human nonetheless. That is little solace as he suffers through his longest drought without a return for a touchdown in a short career of unparalleled brilliance.

''I am getting frustrated,'' Hester said. ''It is frustrating because we set a high expectation for ourselves as a return game, and when we're not doing it, then ... I feel like it's all on me. Maybe I'm not getting the job done. You never know. It is frustrating when you don't get the big returns you got last year and the year before.''

Repeat that quote to Bears special-teams coordinator Dave Toub and prepare for a steam burst from his ears. The doctor in Toub diagnoses anxiety about Hester as a form of lunacy.

''You guys are crazy,'' Toub said. ''The media is berserk with this kid. The pressure ... you shouldn't put pressure on the kid like that. He's getting better and better. This kid is improving. Have you seen what he's done as a receiver?''

Hester certainly has made a big jump in that area, catching a combined 11 passes the last two weeks, nine of which have gone for first downs. Only Andre Johnson (11), Reggie Wayne (11), Larry Fitzgerald (10), Roddy White (10) and Steve Smith (10) have more first-down catches during that span. That's some exclusive company.

Hester caught 20 passes all of last season but already has 16 catches for 193 yards and two touchdowns in five games this season. (He missed a game because of a rib injury.)

But as sure as he's catching on with the offense, his numbers have diminished in the return game. As unfair as any comparison might be, given Hester's unprecedented success in his first two seasons, the simple fact is that he's getting fewer opportunities and doing less with those chances.

Hester has returned 14 kickoffs for an average of 22.6 yards and 11 punts (with four fair catches) for an average of 5.4 yards this season. He has no return touchdowns. A year ago at this point in the season, he had returned 19 kickoffs for a 23.6-yard average and one touchdown and 20 punts (with four fair catches) for a 19.4-yard average and two touchdowns.

Hester has had punt returns of 17 and 28 yards called back because of penalties this season. If you add those numbers to his total, he still is averaging only eight yards per punt return. Is the rib injury still bothering him?

''Do I look like it when I am out there on offense?'' Hester said. ''I feel pretty good.''

Again, it's absurd to think Hester can continue at the pace at which he started his career. What he has accomplished is extraordinary. Hester has 13 return touchdowns, counting a 108-yard return of a missed field goal and the fastest-ever score off the opening kickoff in the Super Bowl. Officially, he has 11 touchdown returns, which puts him only two off the career record of 13 set by Brian Mitchell from 1990 to 2003.

Hester's reputation precedes him, and teams seem better prepared than ever when they face the Bears.

''It's tough,'' Hester said. ''Teams know they're playing against one of the best special-teams [units] in the league. We won [the special-teams rankings] two straight years. The return game was a key factor in that success. ... But now when teams go against us, I feel like they are really preparing themselves and spending a little more time.''

In addition, the Bears -- like every special-teams unit in the NFL -- have to fit new players into new roles. Nobody wants to admit it, but the team misses Brendon Ayanbadejo, who made two Pro Bowls with the Bears before bolting to the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent. The combination of new players, fewer opportunities because of pooch punts and squib kicks and better preparation by opponents has taken a toll, but the challenge of facing Hester is also a motivating factor. The Minnesota Vikings figure to be ready Sunday, given that they were burned for punt-return touchdown by Hester last season and yielded two return touchdowns to the New Orleans Saints' Reggie Bush this season.

Hester laughs at the idea that his new contract, which includes incentives for him as a receiver, somehow has motivated him more for that position than for his special-teams role. He can increase his base pay by $3.5 million in 2012 and by $4.5 million in 2013 and has a chance to earn a de-escalating roster bonus of $10 million in 2013 based on a four-tiered structure tied to number of receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and combined touchdowns produced to that point.

''In the two years I have worked with coach Dave, you have to work on blocking schemes and figuring out new return schemes,'' Hester said. ''But as far as just returning the ball, that is just natural to the return guy. Either you've got it or you don't.''

The sorcery hasn't been as obvious this season, but Hester's still got it.

(suntimes.com)

Devin Hester hasn't changed. The problem is with us, the media and fans who await his every return as if it carries the fulfillment of a messianic prophecy.

Hester is a flesh-and-blood return man, not a paranormal phenomena. He's without peer at his craft, but human nonetheless. That is little solace as he suffers through the longest drought without a return for a touchdown in a short career of unparalleled brilliance.

Hester feels the demand for perfection, the aura of certainty that grips an awestruck public every time he touches the ball: "Will this be the one he finally returns for a touchdown?"

Hester wonders himself.

"I am getting frustrated," Hester said. "It is frustrating because we set a high expectation for ourselves as a return game and when we're not doing it, then, at the end of the day, I feel like it's all on me.

"Maybe I'm not getting the job done. You never know. It is frustrating when you don't get the big returns you got last year and the year before."

Hester certainly has made a big jump in just the last two games, catching 11 passes combined the last two weeks, nine of which have gone for first downs. That's tied for sixth in the NFL on passes caught for a first down in that stretch, behind the likes of Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne with 11 each and Larry Fitzgerald, Roddy White and Steve Smith, all with 10. That's some very exclusive company.

Hester caught 20 passes all of last season, but already has 16 catches in just five games (he missed one due to a rib injury). He has gained 193 yards with two touchdowns as a receiver.

But as sure as he's catching on with the offense, his numbers have diminished in the return game. Unfair as any comparison may be given Hester's unprecedented success in his first two seasons, the simple fact is that he's getting fewer opportunities and doing less with those chances.

Hester has returned 14 kickoffs with a 22.6-yard average and returned 11 punts with four fair catches for a 5.4-yard average. He has no return touchdowns. A year ago at the same point in the season, he had returned 19 kickoffs for a 23.6 average with one touchdown and 20 punts with four fair catches for a 19.4 average, including two touchdowns of 73 and 89 yards.

Hester has had two punt returns covering 17 and 28 called back because of penalties. If you add those numbers to his total he's still averaging only eight yards per punt return.

Remove the two touchdowns from last year's total in the same time period and he still was averaging over 12 yards a return.

Again, it's absurd to think Hester can continue at the pace he has started his career. What he has accomplished is extraordinary. Hester has 13 return touchdowns, counting a 108-yard return off a missed field goal and the fastest-ever score off the opening kickoff in the Super Bowl.

Officially, he has 11 touchdown returns, which puts him just two off the NFL career record of 13 set by Brian Mitchell from 1990-2003. He's one return behind Dante Hall, who is in his ninth season, and Eric Metcalf, who retired in 2002 after 14 years.

Hester's reputation precedes him and teams seem better prepared than ever when they face the Bears.

In addition, the Bears -- like every special-teams unit in the NFL -- have to fit new players into new roles. Nobody wants to admit it, but the team misses Brendon Ayanbadejo, who made two Pro Bowls with the Bears. He bolted to Baltimore as a free agent. The combination of new players, less opportunity due to pooch punts and squib kicks and more preparation from opponents takes a toll, but the challenge of facing Hester is also a motivating factor for opponents.

Hester laughs at the idea that his new contract, which includes incentives for him as a receiver, somehow has him more motivated for that position than for his special-teams role.

He can increase his base pay by $3.5 million in 2012 and $4.5 million in 2013 and has a chance to earn a de-escalating roster bonus of $10 million in 2013 based on a four-tiered structure tied to number of receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and combined touchdowns produced to that point.

(suburbanchicagonews.com)

Update:
Hester caught six passes for 87 yards in the Bears' improbable 22-20 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.

Recommendation:
Hester looks more and more like a receiver with each passing week, and even when Brandon Lloyd (knee) returns, we have to think that Hester will remain a big part of the passing game. Combine that with the continued maturation of Kyle Orton as a quarterback and his return skills, and Hester becomes a solid option as a fill-in for bye weeks and injuries, or as a weekly starter in deeper leagues.

(rotowire.com)

CHICAGO – Returning to action Sunday night after missing his first NFL game last weekend with a rib injury, Devin Hester made a big impact in the Bears’ 24-20 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

The game-breaking third-year pro scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 20-yard reception from Kyle Orton late in the first half, gained 15 yards on a reverse to set up a key field goal early in the fourth quarter and returned a kickoff 51 yards after the Eagles had closed to within 21-17.

“I’m just glad to be back,” Hester said. “That’s the most important thing. Last week sitting on the sideline and seeing my teammates, knowing I could have been out there helping out, it was a hurt feeling. I’m just blessed to be back and thank God.”

Hester caught three passes for 27 yards and averaged 33 yards on three kickoff returns. He also averaged 0.3 yards on three punt returns in part because he lost eight yards on one return.

Hester’s third career TD catch came on a fade pattern against All-Pro Asante Samuel.

“He’s a great corner,” Hester said. “But Kyle threw a great ball and I was in the right spot.”

Hester seemingly was in position to score a touchdown late in the first quarter after gaining separation from a defensive back. However, Orton’s high but catchable pass squirted through the speedy receiver’s hands around the Philadelphia 10.

“I most definitely would have scored on that one,” Hester said. “I kind of took my eye off the ball before it went in my hands.”

Hester said he was not affected by the rib injury that kept him out of last week’s game.

“I felt great,” he said. “The adrenaline kept the pain away and motivated me to go out and play ball. I just went out and put in my mind that if I’m out here, I’m not hurt, otherwise I wouldn’t be out here. That’s the mentality I went in with.”

(chicagobears.com)

Devin Hester doesn't appear to be 100 percent, but the Pro Bowl return specialist was well enough to return to Bears practice in a limited role Thursday.

It was Hester's first action since he tore cartilage in his lower left rib area during the Week 2 loss at Carolina. His status for Sunday night's game against Philadelphia remains unclear.

"I'm pushing for it," Hester said. "I'm still sore. I'm going to get some more treatment. I'mhoping I'll be ready."

Hester didn't play in Sunday's 27-24 overtime loss to Tampa Bay. The Bears could use his explosiveness against the Eagles, who average 30 points per game. But the question is: How explosive will he be coming off the injury?

The medical staff took it easy with him last week, and Hester missed Wednesday's practice.

"Sometimes it takes weeks, sometimes two months," Hester said. "It all depends on the person and their body."

(chicagotribune.com)

Chicago Bears kick returner Devin Hester is suffering from torn cartilage in his rib area, the Chicago Tribune reported Thursday.

Hester, who suffered a rib injury during the third quarter of Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Carolina Panthers when he was forced out of bounds at the end of a punt return, was unsure of his availability for Sunday's home opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"I'm feeling a lot better so I'm hoping by the end of the week I'll have no pain or nothing like that," Hester told the newspaper on Thursday.

In 34 regular-season games since joining the Bears in 2006, Hester has returned seven punts for a touchdown and run back four kickoffs for scores.

Hester said he was injured while making a quick move to avoid a tackle. He said he couldn't breathe normally for two days.

"I was told that if you go out there and it's not healed all the way, then you could damage it even more," he said. "I'm just going to get as much treatment as I can, and hopefully ill be ready."

(nationalpost.pa)

Devin Hester is not participating in the practice in full pads this afternoon at Halas Hall. He is on the field but not in uniform, and nickel back Brandon McGowan was not spotted on the field when the media was allowed to view the beginning of practice.

Hester injured the left side of his ribs running back a kickoff in the third quarter at Carolina on Sunday. He had an MRI Tuesday and it's not believed the injury is serious, that it could have been just a fluke occurrence. Hester has said he is feeling fine and expects to play Sunday vs. Tampa Bay.

(suntimes.com)

Devin Hester was at Halas Hall awaiting results from the MRI he underwent in Tuesday morning, a source said.

The rib injury sustained by the Bears Pro Bowl returner (and budding wide receiver) was believed to be either a pull or a tear; nothing appears to be broken.

It remains unclear whether Hester will miss any time. A source indicated Monday that Hester is expected to be healthy.

Hester suffered the non-contact injury while returning a kick in Sunday's game at Carolina. He was first scheduled to undergo an MRI on Monday, but the team wanted to wait for the swelling to subside.

It is too early to determine whether Hester will be available for Sunday's home opener against Tampa Bay. The Bears will face Bucs starter Brian Griese, their leading passer from a year ago.

(chicagotribune.com)

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- More lingering than the disappointment of Sunday's disappointing loss to the Carolina Panthers may be the loss of Devin Hester.

The Bears' leader in touchdowns over the last two seasons left the field in the third quarter holding his left side with what was described as a rib injury. He was moving gingerly in the locker room afterward and the team shielded him from media without making any further announcement about what medical exams might have revealed.

''Of course he couldn't finish the football game, so that's cause for concern,'' said coach Lovie Smith, who could not specify if Hester was injured on the kickoff return that ended with a tackle by rookie Dan Connor, or earlier. ''That's the final [play]. Whether he did before that, I don't know.''

Danieal Manning assumed kickoff-return duties and brought one Rhys Lloyd kick that went seven yards into the end zone to the 29-yard line. Cornerback Nathan Vasher took his role on punt returns, with an 18-yard return the best of three chances.

It limited Hester to 12 plays on offense and he made just one reception, a six-yarder. So after all of the work to integrate him offensively, he has two catches to show for it. No one wanted to speculate on his status following the game.

''Obviously, he's a great player,'' quarterback Kyle Orton said. ''He helps us in all facets of the game. [If he misses time], it is going to hurt. But offensively, I think Marty Booker can step in and add a veteran presence -- and the limited time he's been in so far this season, he's played well. I am very confident Marty can come in and play well for us.''

Booker went from seven snaps in the opener to 23, with the majority coming in the second half after Hester was lost. A bomb by Orton on third-and-seven from the Bears' 13 was just overthrown as Booker had soundly beaten Ken Lucas.

''He hasn't been out there that much, but I think we have developed some timing,'' Orton said. ''That throw certainly wasn't a timing issue or anything like that; it was just a missed throw. I am confident with Marty.''

(suntimes.com)

Devin Hester's whereabouts on the field this season will be closely monitored. His progress as a wide receiver will be tracked by fans and opponents alike and his development is no doubt a critical element to the improvement of the offense.

The Indianapolis Colts, starting Sunday night, will be the first to ask where is No. 23?

Hester started the final three preseason games and using that as a barometer for things to come it's fair to assume he will be in that role along with Brandon Lloyd. How much Hester is employed at wide receiver could impact his future wearing No. 23. It's an interesting sidenote as he develops as a receiver because it's not in the group of numbers that can be assigned to full-time wide receivers according to Rule 5, Section 1, Article 2 of the NFL rulebook.

When Hester joined the Bears as a rookie in 2006, he was assigned No. 23 because he was a cornerback. Provided he remains primarily a kick and punt returner, at least according to the club's latest roster, he's perfectly fine wearing No. 23. If he becomes a full-fledged starter at receiver, playing the bulk of the game there, it could become an issue the league has to address. According to the NFL rulebook:

"If a player changes his position during his playing career in the NFL, and such change moves him out of a category specified above, he must be issued an appropriate new jersey numeral."

The last player who publicly fought to get an exception was New Orleans running back Reggie Bush, who was intent on wearing No. 5, the number he had as a star at USC. Bush lost out and wears No. 25. When it comes to uniforms and conformity, league rules are pretty hard and fast. When Peyton Manning requested to wear high-tops for one game in tribute to Johnny Unitas following his death, he was told no. Defensive tackle Tommie Harris requested to switch to No. 97, the number he wore at Oklahoma, when it became free after Michael Haynes was released at the end of the summer in 2006. He was told no and the reason he was given was that it was about the money. Too many No. 91 jerseys were out there, Harris said.

Hester's case is different than Bush's. Hester is an established player in the league. Bush was just entering it. But the rules are the rules. None of the parties involved, the league included, would seem to be real interested in a change. For starters, there have to be boxes of Hester No. 23 jerseys stacked in warehouses all over the country. Forget about the ones hanging on racks in stores nationwide. There are jerseys waiting to make it to stores that already have a 2 and 3 on them. In this instance, the most important numbers become the dollar figures involved. No. 23 jerseys might have to go on clearance if he was wearing new digits.

Provided he remains a major contributor on special teams there are other things that could be factored in. With Hester's versatility, he can be lined up in the backfield from time to time and No. 23 works for a running back. But you're not going to see him listed as a running back on the roster. It's highly unlikely any kind of change would ever take place during the season, and it's likely he would have to become a full-time receiver before it became an issue. The coaching staff says he has the ability to be a No. 1 receiver. We'll see how involved he is from the start on Sunday.

Here's a look at the specific rule involved, directly from the rulebook: Rule 5, Section 1, Article 2

All players must wear numerals on their jerseys in accordance with Rule 5, Section 4, Article 3(c).
Such numerals must be by playing position, as follows:
(a) quarterbacks, punters, and placekickers: 1-19; (b) running backs and defensive backs: 20-49; (c) centers: 50-59 (60-79 if 50-59 are unavailable); (d) offensive guards and tackles: 60-79; (e) wide receivers: 10-19 and 80-89; (f) tight ends: 80-89; (g) defensive linemen: 60-79 (90-99 if 60-79 are unavailable); and (h) linebackers: 50-59 (90-99 if 50-59 are unavailable).

If a player changes his position during his playing career in the NFL, and such change moves him out of a category specified above, he must be issued an appropriate new jersey numeral.

Any request to wear a numeral for a special position not specified above (e.g., H-back) must be made to the Commissioner.

(blogs.suntimes.com)

Devin Hester and Brandon Lloyd are expected to be the Bears' starting wide receivers in Week 1.
Rashied Davis will start out as the No. 3/slot receiver. The Bears figure to rotate in Mark Bradley, Marty Booker, and possibly Earl Bennett, limiting everyone's ceiling. Only Hester and Lloyd are worth looks in deep leagues.

(rotoworld.com)

The Canton Repository reports Chicago Bears WR/KR/PR Devin Hester has been invisible this preseason: a 15.0 average on three kick returns, one punt return for one yard, four receptions for 36 yards.



(ffmastermind.com)

When the Chicago Bears reported to training camp in mid-July, they were missing a huge piece. Devin Hester, the most electrifying player in the National Football League and lone reason why I kept watching the Bears last year, was holding out for more money.

Ninety-nine percent of Chicago freaked out and thought the Bears should just give him what he wants. Understandable. Right?

The Bears haven't seen a football player as exciting to watch as Hester since Walter Payton. "The Windy City Flyer" runs as fast as Hollywood producers do from a movie starring Norm MacDonald. Hester had six return touchdowns in each of his first two seasons in the league.

He even returned the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XLI for a touchdown, sending Chicago into a frenzied state before it realized that Rex Grossman was quarterbacking the team.

So if Hester is so good that he might be able to challenge the almighty Mike Ditka in a footrace, why should the Bears have traded him? After all, he's been a consistent source of touchdowns for the team - something Grossman, Cedric "Boats n' Hoes" Benson and Bernard Berrian couldn't provide.

The shelf life of a return man is not very long, however, especially for those who have prominent roles on offense. Remember Dante Hall? Chiefs fans don't need a refresher - he was the most feared return man in the NFL about five years ago. And where is he now? Struggling to find playing time in St. Louis. Hall was never a great wide receiver, but Kansas City tried to force him into the position after teams started kicking away from him.

You can bet that opposing kickers will start shying away from Hester, forcing the Bears' offense to beat them. When that happens, Hester will have a bigger role in the offense. And after that takes place, Hester will struggle. His value will go from its state before 2008 - which was through the roof - to almost nothing in just a few years.

Hester is listed at 5 feet 11 inches. He weighs 189 pounds. His only value as a wide receiver is as a burner, somebody who can catch a deep ball. With Kyle Orton at quarterback, however, the offense likely won't be throwing downfield as much as it did with ole Sexy Rexy. Expect a lot of quick slants and stop routes. And that Hester will get knocked around like a rag doll on those routes.

Although the NFC North is looking weak this year, the Bears need to rebuild. Orton isn't a bad quarterback. But is he really the quarterback for the Bears' future?

The team needs wide receivers like gold-medal Chinese gymnasts need fake documentation. The defensive and offensive lines aren't getting any younger. If the Bears could have secured a first-round pick for Hester, they should have gone ahead and made the move. It's not like they didn't have an excuse, because Hester sat out the initial days of camp.

The Bears without Hester would be about as pathetic as the St. Louis Cardinals' bullpen. But, then again, will they be less pathetic with him for this year, the next year and through 2013?

I don't think so.

(themaneater.com)

Daily team observers all agree that the Bears would be making an obviously huge mistake if they significantly reduced Devin Hester's roles as a punt and kickoff returner moving forward. But even though there isn't a return specialist in the league anywhere near as special as Hester, who has set league records for return touchdowns the last two seasons, it stands to reason that his return role will be somewhat reduced in proportion to his playing time as a wide receiver. "Game situations will be the No. 1 factor in dictating how much Hester is used on kicks," a team insider told PFW. "But if he's on the field all the time as a pass catcher, which still remains to be seen, obviously other guys will have to get involved." The way we hear it, the "other guys" most likely to fill the return bill in Hester's absence are fourth-year player Rashied Davis and rookie Earl Bennett, who had some problems fielding kicks in training camp but came up big in the Bears' second preseason game with an impressive 75-yard punt return for a TD. "Danieal Manning could also be in the mix for more kick returns," the insider said, "since it looks like his playing time at safety could be on the decline."

(pfw.com)

BOURBONNAIS–When the Bears broke training camp last, coach Lovie Smith pointed to Devin Hester as one of the few real questions about the team that has been answered.

“Coming into camp, we talked about him as a returner that a lot of people thought could play receiver,” Smith said. “Now I think it’s safe to say that he’s a receiver. He’s doing all the things that we've asked him to do.”

Hester held out at the camp’s outset, but reported and eventually got a contract extension worth a possible $40 million. He worked daily against cornerback Charles “Peanut” Tillman to make the transition from a record-setting return man and offensive novelty to a key part of the offense.
“Peanut is probably one of the best corners in the league because he’s very physical,” Hester said. “You know once you go against Peanut, you’re going to have to be prepared to fight.”

Practice battles haven’t been quite like those between Tillman and former Bears wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad were the last three years, but Hester said he has been learning how to fight back against physical tactics designed to smother his speed.

“Peanut is an aggressive corner. He’s going to get his hands on you,” Hester said. “Receivers don’t like corners getting their hands on someone. Going against a corner that’s real aggressive, you’ve got to step up and play big.”

Hester said camp has also been a plus for his conditioning, something he wanted to work on because he will be pressed into much more playing time as a return man.

“So I have to prepare myself to go a full game, the return game and offense–I just worked harder,” he said.

The Bears, who play Saturday night in a preseason game at Seattle, are returning to Halas Hall and Lake Forest for the final two weeks of training camp.

They completed the Olivet Nazarene University portion of camp with two key injuries that require surgery: Top draft pick Chris Williams’ herniated disc and guard Terrence Metcalf’s knee sprain. Metcalf is expected back before the regular season, but Williams could be out half the season or longer.

The one big question that hasn’t yet been answered is starting quarterback. Saturday’s game will go a long way toward deciding the battle between Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton. Grossman starts Saturday after Orton started the preseason opener.

“For us, going into camp, we had a lot of positions that were open,” Smith said. “Guys were fighting for positions. All of them have stepped up, and we’ll just keep that evaluation going. To me ... a successful camp a lot of times is when you get out injury free, and we’ve done that for the most part. And again we’ve gotten good work done.”

(chicagodefender.com)

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. When the Chicago Bears broke training camp, Coach Lovie Smith pointed to Devin Hester as one of the few real questions about the team that has been answered.

"Coming into camp we talked about him as a returner that a lot of people thought could play receiver," Smith said. "Now I think it's safe to say that he's a receiver. He's doing all the things we've asked him to do."

Hester held out at the start of camp but reported and eventually landed a contract extension worth a possible $40 million. He worked daily against cornerback Charles "Peanut" Tillman to make the transition from a record-setting return man and offensive novelty to a key part of the offense.

"Peanut is probably one of the best corners in the league because he's very physical," Hester said. "You know once you go against Peanut, you're going to have to be prepared to fight."

Practice battles haven't been quite like the battles of the past three years between Tillman and Muhsin Muhammad, who left the Bears to return to the Carolina Panthers, but Hester said he has been learning how to fight back against physical tactics designed to smother his speed.

"Peanut is an aggressive corner, he's going to get his hands on you," Hester said. "Receivers don't like corners getting their hands on someone. Going against a corner that's real aggressive, you've got to step up and play big."

Hester said that camp was also a plus for his conditioning, something he wanted to work on because he will be pressed into much more playing time as a return man.

"So I have to prepare myself to go a full game, the return game and offense -- I just worked harder," he said.

The Bears, who will play a preseason game tonight at Seattle, will return to Halas Hall and Lake Forest for the final two weeks of training camp.

They completed the Olivet Nazarene University portion of camp with two key injuries which will require surgery -- top draft pick Chris Williams' herniated disc and guard Terrence Metcalf's knee sprain. Metcalf is expected back before the regular season, but Williams could be out half the season, or longer.

The one big question that hasn't yet been answered is the starting quarterback. Today's game will go a long way toward deciding the battle between Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton. Grossman will start today; Orton started the preseason opener.

"For us, going into camp, we had a lot of positions that were open," Smith said. "Guys were fighting for positions. All of them have stepped up and we'll just keep that evaluation going. To me ... a successful camp a lot of times is when you get out injury free, and we've done that for the most part. And again we've gotten good work done."

(journalnow.com)

Devin Hester threw passes in the morning and evening practices out of different plays. It will be interesting to see when these plays are used in the preseason/regular season. Shotgun plays where he could run a draw and plays that get him on the perimeter where he has a run/pass option are going to be fun to watch. Teams are going to have to respect the possibility he is going to pass because he has a strong arm.

It's not a Marty Booker model cannon capable of 80-yard tosses, but Hester's arm can compete with some of the quarterbacks who have rolled through here over the last decade.

(blogs.suntimes.com)

The final leg of our NFC North tour would have made the Chicago Bears a lot happier if we had stopped in Mankato and kidnapped Bernard Berrian.

"If you see Bernard up there, tell him I said hello and I miss him," said Bears offensive coordinator Ron Turner, referring to the former Chicago receiver and current member of the rival Vikings.

"I was crushed when he left, to be honest with you. He was a great football player in his prime and getting ready to play better. It was a huge loss for us, and he's going to have a huge impact in Minnesota. With that running game they have, and Bernard on the outside ..."

The NFC North tour caught the Bears in the early stages of training camp Wednesday. But it still seemed later than usual to find an NFL team still so unsettled at key positions such as left tackle, where rookie first-round draft pick Chris Williams has been injured; running back, where second-round draft pick Matt Forte is showing promise; quarterback, where Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton are rotating days with the starting unit; and receiver, where Berrian left via free agency to sign a six-year, $42 million deal with the Vikings and Muhsin Muhammad was released.

The candidates to help replace Berrian's team-leading 71 catches and 951 yards include Marty Booker, Brandon Lloyd, Mark Bradley, Rashied Davis, third-round pick Earl Bennett and last but definitely not least Devin Hester, the league's best return man.

"We definitely think Devin Hester can be a No. 1 receiver for us," coach Lovie Smith said.

This year? With no career starts and only 20 catches? And having never played receiver on a regular basis since, well, ever?

"Definitely so," Smith said. "I wouldn't doubt anything that Devin Hester could do. Whether it's returning punts, taking a couple of snaps at quarterback, playing cornerback. I think he'll be able to figure it out."

(startribune.com)

BOURBONNAIS - The question of whether or not Devin Hester is good enough to be a starting wide receiver this year, and maybe even a No. 1, may already have been answered.

In Sunday's practice, Hester caught 7 of Rex Grossman's 20 completions, beating both starting cornerbacks, Nate Vasher and Charles "Peanut" Tillman, who form one of the more talented tandems in the NFL.

"Peanut is probably one of the best corners in the league because he's very physical," Hester said. "You know once you go against Peanut, you're going to have to be prepared to fight. Peanut is an aggressive corner; he's going to get his hands on you. Receivers don't like corners getting their hands on them. Going against a corner that's real aggressive, you've got to step up and play big."

Opponents who try to jam Hester at the line of scrimmage will suffer the consequences if he gets a clean break.

"He's a mismatch for a lot of people speed-wise," Grossman said. "So, if they want to come up and play press, man-to-man coverage with no safety help, they're going to get burned. We're excited about that matchup all season."

Hopes fading: The hope was that first-round pick Chris Williams would be back at practice when the Bears returned to Olivet Nazarene University on Sunday. But the offensive tackle didn't appear any closer to returning to the field than he has since July 24, the second day of camp, when he suffered a strained back.

Williams was being counted on as the opening-day left tackle, but that possibility now seems remote.

"It hurts him each day he misses," coach Lovie Smith said. "But I've seen players miss a lot of time and come back and still be successful. That's what we're hoping will happen with Chris."

Williams, who isn't even jogging on the side at practices yet, could not provide a timetable for his return.

"I have no idea," he said.

"I hope it's not too much longer."

(dailyherald.com)

Brad Biggs, of the Chicago Sun-Times, reports Chicago Bears WR Devin Hester will make more than $22 million for showing up to training camp with his new contract. Hester signed a four-year extension last week and the contract maxes out at $40 million if he hits the performance-based escalators. If Hester does not play a down at wide receiver, he will still receive $22 million in new money. The contract includes a $5 million signing bonus with $10 million in roster bonuses. A $200,000 workout bonus worth $250,000 for the final four years for a $1.2 million total in workout bonuses. He is scheduled to make $750,000 in 2010, $1.5 million in 2011, $1.6 million in 2012 and $1.8 million in 2013. Hester will receive a base pay of $445,000 this season and $530,000 in 2009.

(kffl.com)

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (AP) -- Kick returner Devin Hester has signed a new four-year contract with the Chicago Bears.

The team announced the deal Sunday. Hester skipped the first two days of training camp because he wanted to renegotiate his contract, which had two years left. Hester returned to camp Friday, saying there was progress in the negotiations.

He said he skipped practices to make a statement that he was serious about a new deal.

Hester's previous contract was for $445,000 for the 2008 season.

The terms of the new deal have not yet been announced. Hester is scheduled to speak to the media Sunday afternoon.

(ap.com)

Devin Hester told the Tribune Wednesday he intends to hold out of training camp until the Bears grant him a new deal.

"I'm not coming,'' he said by phone. "I have to make a statement. I showed by going to [organized team activities] that I was a team player. But then, I just felt like they weren't taking it seriously that I wanted to get a new deal.

"I can't go out and play this year making $445,000. Come on, man.''

Hester, who is signed through 2009, is entering the third year of his rookie deal. The Bears have discussed the possibility of a raise with his agent, Eugene Parker, throughout the off-season. Each side has exchanged proposals. Complicating matters is the fact that the Bears have no other contracts to measure Hester's worth against.

He wants to be paid as a receiver, but the Bears are willing to pay him as the league's highest-paid special teams player — a deal that would no doubt fall short of Hester's mark.

Efforts to reach Parker were unsuccessful while the Bears planned to address the situation after practice Wednesday.

"You should pay me like I'm one of a kind,'' Hester said. "It's like dating a girl. When you find somebody who is real special, you're going to do whatever it takes to keep her. You might cut back on what you're giving your mom to give to her. And that's how I feel they should treat me.''

Hester couldn't estimate how much money he's seeking or how long a term the deal should be. The Bears awarded contract extensions to Tommie Harris, Brian Urlacher, Alex Brown, Robbie Gould, and Desmond Clark.

"A fair deal is paying me what I bring to this game and to this team,'' Hester said. "If I put fans in the seats and make big plays, then I deserve to get paid more than what I'm getting paid. Pay me what I'm worth. I'm getting paid the same as a cat drafted in the sixth, seventh round my year who hasn't played a down. It isn't fair, man.''

The Bears are unlikely to negotiate with a player who is not at camp. Hester will be fine approximately $15,000 per day if he continues to hold out.

"I'm like this — it's not worth it to show up,'' he said.

Hester said he received phone calls from teammates Jason McKie and Tommie Harris Wednesday inquiring about his whereabouts. Adewale Ogunleye sent a text message and wondered what was going on.

"I basically told them what happened, and they said they don't blame me and that I deserved it,'' he said.

Hester said Lovie Smith called and said the team didn't feel the same without him.

Hester has 12 returns for touchdowns in just two seasons. Last season, he made the Pro Bowl for the second consecutive season as a return man after setting the single-season NFL record with six kick returns for touchdowns (four punts, two kickoffs).

"Everybody in their right mind understands why I'm doing this,'' Hester said. "For me to have a season like I did last year and getting paid like this, it's not fair. ... I deserve more, and that's just the way I feel.''

(chicagosports.chicagotribune.com)

If Devin Hester is looking for a boost in his bid for a new contract--he's next in line now that Brian Urlacher is signed, sealed and delivered--how about his status as a starting wide receiver?

Offensive coordinator Ron Turner said Tuesday that Hester and Brandon Lloyd will likely start with the first team at practice today. The duo did quite a bit of that during the offseason program and Turner said they'll probably get the nod ahead of Marty Booker and the long list of others including Mark Bradley. Hester is hoping to be paid top dollar as a receiver and this is a start.

But coach Lovie Smith wasn't ready to potentially call him a No. 1 receiver.

``At all the positions right now, I'm not going to tell you who they are,'' Smith said of his top secret depth chart. ``We're going to go out on the football field and play and once we feel like everyone needs to know, we'll let you know then. If I know it a little bit earlier am I going to tell you, no.''

(blog.suntimes.com)

The Chicago Tribune reports the Bears have one last business matter with a veteran player, KR/WR Devin Hester. The most electrifying return man in the NFL agreed to a new deal last week—with Under Armour, that is. While his endorsements continue to stack up, Hester wants his money from the Bears to do the same. He is signed through 2009 and it is unclear how much the Bears are willing to offer him, with no other contract to measure his worth against. Hester wants to get paid receiver money, but the Bears are more inclined to make him the highest-paid special-team player. Hester's agent, Eugene Parker, could not be reached for comment Monday night. In terms of his client's desire for a new deal, Parker believes Hester's explosive play has spoken loudly.

(ffmastermind.com)

Most overdone debate: Will Hester's playing wide receiver hurt his kickoff returns?

The only concern is injury, but a team as deficient in playmakers as the Bears cannot afford to let that prevent them from using Hester in the passing game. If he plays half the offensive snaps, a realistic goal this year, then he still should have enough energy to return kickoffs and punts. He's a football player, tough-minded and willing to exert himself, and to remove Hester from a job returning kicks and punts that he does historically well would be a mistake. Finding a way to get Hester to multitask is the coaching staff's obligation.

The Chicago Tribune reports there hasn't been much of a buzz about the Bears contract talks with WR/KR/PR Devin Hester.

(chicagosports.com)

Wednesday’s final OTA practice had a last-day-of-school feeling with players swapping jerseys with each another before participating in a spirited workout. One of the most noteworthy trades involved Grossman and Devin Hester, who even ran one play out of the quarterback position.

“That was just for you guys,” offensive coordinator Ron Turner said to reporters. “I said, ‘Hey, he’s in an 8 jersey, we might as well put him back there.’ I’m sure [Hester] will be lobbying [to play quarterback in the future].”

Asked if Grossman looked faster in his No. 23 jersey, Hester said: “Yeah, he did. I actually saw him run a quarterback sneak, and he showed a little burst out there.”

With the next five weeks off, Bears players are being encouraged by their coach to go on vacation and spend time with their family, all while getting away from football.

“We have a little bit of time right now,” Smith said. “We’re not playing the Colts tomorrow or anything like that. We’re going to take a little time off … but still you can start dreaming about good things happening.”

(chicagobears.com)

Under Armour has added National Football League kick return specialist Devin Hester to its endorsement roster and will air a new television spot Sunday night on ESPN featuring the Chicago Bears star and other players.

Hester, who set an NFL record with six kicks returned for touchdowns last season, will appear in a commercial aired during the "ESPYs" awards show with Seattle Seahawks defensive end Patrick Kerney and Patrick Willis, a San Francisco 49ers linebacker.

While much of Under Armour's (NYSE: UA) recent burst of marketing around its first non-cleated athletic shoes have been in cooperation with Dick's Sporting Goods (NYSE: DKS), this ad is the Baltimore company's first co-op effort with a rival large sporting goods chain: The Sports Authority.

The sporting goods chain will get exclusive colors on some Under Armour footwear as part of the campaign. Also appearing in the ad is trainer Todd Durkin, whose most famous client is San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson.

As usual, the spot is produced in-house by Under Armour.

"At this point, I can say our footwear sales have been good and at what we expected," said Under Armour Senior Vice President/Brand Steve Battista.

As for the signing of Hester, a player who dominates NFL highlights packages during the season, Battista said, "He says everything we want to about speed and performance."

(ck0712digit.blogspot.com)

Which wide receivers impressed you most during offseason workouts?
Devin Hester really impressed me. So did Rashied Davis and Brandon Lloyd. We still have a long way to go, so don’t get me wrong. But I’ve been impressed with how they have responded to what we’re trying to do and to what we’ve done so far in practice. Now granted, nothing out there is live. The DBs can’t touch them. But just from a standpoint of learning and running the system and those things, those guys have impressed me with what they’ve done so far.

How much better is Devin right now compared to a year ago heading into training camp?
He’s 100 percent better, and that’s usually what happens after you’ve been in a system for a year. The strides that he’s made have been tremendous, and as long as he continues to keep that same work ethic and desire, he’s going to be fine.

In what areas has he improved most?
He’s improved in all areas: route-running, understanding what to do, being able to go out there and relax. Every aspect of the game he’s improved. He’s seeing things more. He’s so instinctive, so the majority of the time he’s going to be right just trusting his instincts.

What are Devin’s strengths and some of the things he needs to work on as a receiver?
Naturally his open-field ability and his ability to catch, he has tremendous ability there. He’s just got to continue to work on coming in and out of his breaks. Those are things that all receivers need to fine-tune—depth on routes and different things like that—and that comes with experience. It’s just repetition and habit and he’ll continue to get better at it.

What type of potential does Devin have as a receiver?
He definitely has the potential to be an elite receiver in the league. There’s no doubt about it. He’s got all the tools and he’s honing those tools. He’s polishing those tools. He can he as good as there is.

(chicagobears.com)

That has yet to be finalized at this point, but offensive coordinator Ron Turner told fans at the Bears Expo earlier this month that Devin Hester’s workload on offense would likely triple from an average of 10-12 snaps last season to 30-35 this year. Said Turner: “If we can get him that many plays and we can get the ball in his hands 5-7 times a game—whether it’s some quick passes or down the field or whatever—he’s going to make our offense much more productive.”

(chicagobears.com)

22. Reggie Wayne, WR, Indianapolis Colts: When Marvin Harrison was out last season, Wayne emerged as the team's go-to receiver. The guess here is that is that it stays that way. He's a true star now.

23. Ed Reed, S, Baltimore Ravens: He is the prototype modern safety: rangy and can still tackle. He is what safeties like Roy Williams wish they could be.

26. Andre Johnson, WR, Houston Texans: Injuries limited him last season, but Johnson is one of the best when he's on the field. The Texans were a different team without him last season.

41. Vince Wilfork, DT, New England Patriots: He was the best front-seven player on the Pats defense last season. He's a load in the middle. Moving him off the ball is tough for any center.

44. Kellen Winslow, TE, Cleveland Browns: He has emerged as one of the rising stars for a rising team. His ability to stretch the defense is vital to the Cleveland offense.

50. Devin Hester, KR, Chicago Bears: I don't normally put return men on these lists, but this guy has earned it. It will be interesting to see how long he can maintain it.

(cbs.sportsline.com)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Bears All-Pro kick returner Devin Hester is hosting a football camp July 12-13 at Lake Forest Academy. The Devin Hester Football Camp for kids ages 7-14 will focus on fundamental skills.




(bears.com)

After playing an average of 10-12 snaps on offense last season, we hear the Bears expect Devin Hester to at least triple his workload as a receiver this season. In offensive duty during 2007, Hester made 20 receptions for 299 yards and two touchdowns, to go along with his six return TDs while playing on special teams.

(pfw.com)

The Chicago Sun-Times reports Bears WR Devin Hester made as much progress as anyone in the 10-week offseason program, a good sign for an offense desperate for a gamebreaker. His role was extremely limited at this time last year, and now it seems he's everywhere. "It helped out a lot for me as far as the mental part," Hester said. "I feel like I came out and did a pretty good job and got a lot of things accomplished as far as just the knowledge of the game and trying to get the timing right."

(ffmastermind.com)

CHICAGO - Devin Hester will have little time to catch his breath this season.

Along with returning kicks and punts, Hester is eyeing a tripling of his workload at wide receiver.

At least, that is the plan based on what offensive coordinator Ron Turner told fans Sunday at the Bears Expo inside Soldier Field.

“He's the premier return guy in the NFL and probably in the history of the game, so he's got to obviously have an opportunity to do that,” Turner said.

“We've talked in the area of 30 to 35 [passing] plays a game. If we can get him that many plays and we can get the ball in his hands five to seven times a game, he's going to make our offense much more productive.”

The increased role was Hester's idea as much as Turner's. At the end of last season, Turner said, Hester spoke to him about wanting to truly become a full-time receiver.

With Bernard Berrian off to Minnesota in free agency and Mark Bradley limited by injuries the past few seasons, the Bears need a receiver who can stretch the field.

Hester showed last season he can be a vertical threat in spots, and his task this offseason is to become more well-rounded.

“I told him if you're going to make that commitment to try to be the No. 1 receiver, then you've got to make that commitment and you've got to work at it like you do as a return guy,” Turner said. “It's got to be a full-time commitment, which means you're going to have to practice full-speed all the time so the quarterbacks can get the timing.”

Turner said he has been delighted with Hester's approach during voluntary workouts and mini-camp.

“He's done a great job of learning the position, going out every day and learning all the little intricacies of playing the position,” Turner said.

“It's one thing to know your assignment. It's another thing to be able to line up and play and adjust to Cover-2, Cover-3, to press coverage, to the blitz - to all the different things that you have to do, and so far Devin has stepped up and is doing a great job of that.”

Turner said Hester's motivation stems from his desire to be the best at anything he does.

Of course, Hester's contract situation also could be a motivating factor. He has two years left on his rookie deal and has said he wants an extension.

As great as he is returning kicks and punts, Hester's leverage would be far more substantial if he shows signs of developing into a top receiver.

(daily-chronicle.com)

CHICAGO – Getting a taste of the Bears offense last season made Devin Hester hungry for more.

After catching 20 passes for 299 yards and 2 touchdowns in limited action, the electrifying playmaker spoke to coordinator Ron Turner about becoming a starting receiver in 2008.

“Devin and I had a real good talk at the end of the season,” Turner told fans during a seminar Sunday at the Bears Expo. “He talked about wanting to be more of a full-time receiver.

“I told him if you’re going to make that commitment to try to be the No. 1 receiver, then you’ve got to make that commitment right now and you’ve got to work at it like you do as a return guy. It’s got to be a full-time commitment, which means you’re going to have to practice full speed all the time so the quarterbacks can get the timing.”

Five months after their initial discussion, Turner couldn’t be more pleased with how Hester has responded to the challenge.

“He’s accepted all that, and so far through the minicamp and the OTAs, he’s done a great job of learning the position and going out every day and learning all the little intricacies of playing the position,” Turner said. “It’s one thing to know your assignment. It’s another thing to be able to line up and play and adjust to cover-two, cover-three, to press coverage, to the blitz; all the different things you have to do, and so far Devin has stepped up and is doing a great job of that.”

After Hester played an average of 10-12 snaps on offense last season, Turner said Sunday that the Bears plan on tripling his workload—even as he remains the team’s primary return specialist.

“He’s the premier return guy in the NFL and probably in the history of the game, so he’s got to obviously have an opportunity to do that,” Turner said.

“We’ve talked in the area of 30-35 plays a game. If we can get him that many plays and we can get the ball in his hands 5-7 times a game—whether it’s some quick passes or down the field or whatever—he’s going to make our offense much more productive.”

Hester has high expectations for himself—and Turner would never bet against him.

“He’s a guy that has a burning desire to be the best,” Turner said. “He is driven to be the best at whatever he does, and right now he is driven to be the best receiver in the NFL, and I wouldn’t sell Devin short of accomplishing anything.”

(chicagobears.com)

Devin Hester is still a work in progress at wide receiver, but he seemed to be able to work his way free behind the defense for huge gains almost at will throughout the weekend's minicamp.

The depth chart at wideout is in flux with newcomers Marty Booker and Brandon Lloyd figuring prominently in the mix, along with Hester, Rashied Davis, Mark Bradley and rookie Earl Bennett, plus holdovers Mike Hass and Brandon Rideau fighting for roster spots.

"Right now the position is wide open," Hester said. "The best two are going to step up and play."

Hester sees himself as a starter; if not now, then soon.

"If you're a receiver and you don't feel that way, then you don't deserve to be out here on the field," he said. "It's competing for a job, and that's how the next man (on the depth chart) gets better. That's what I'm out here doing, and when the season kicks off, I'm hoping I'll be one of the No. 1 guys."

Booker and Lloyd have gotten most of the first-team reps, but Hester has also been utilized. Receivers coach Darryl Drake said no final decisions have been made.

"Right now we don't have clear-cut starters," Drake said. "Those guys (Booker and Lloyd) are in the mix. Devin is in the mix. So those guys are probably the ones."

Hester has been focusing on running more precise routes and fine-tuning his timing with quarterbacks Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton. He said the mental aspect of his game has improved over last season, his first as a full-time receiver.

"I'm a lot better at knowing the game," he said. "I'm starting to understand the defense as well as the offense."

For now, though, Hester's forte remains the deep ball, where he can utilize his rare speed to get behind even the fastest cornerbacks. His communication with the quarterbacks on those plays is simple.

"Whenever we have a deep ball, I just tell them throw it as far as you can and hopefully I'm going to run it down," he said.

(dailyherald.com)

Devin Hester lets out a short laugh when asked if he plans to reveal some secret propellant or unknown turbo-charged technique during a mid-July football camp he's offering for 7- to 14-year-olds. How do you teach the kids football skills that go from the sublime to the ridiculous?

''I will just go through the fundamentals, and the more they work at it, the better they'll get,'' Hester said. ''Not everybody is going to be the same type of return man I am, but if they have the fundamentals and work at it -- then throw in their little bit of salt and pepper ...

'Not everybody is going to be Michael Jordan. All Michael Jordan can do is teach you fundamentals and hope you learn from it and put your own mix in it.''

Right there is about as close as Hester will ever get to comparing himself to another sports legend who wore No. 23. But the simple fact is that Hester is to NFL return men as Jordan was to basketball players. And if the Bears' weekend minicamp can be viewed as any indicator of the future, well, Hester someday may be seen similarly among wide receivers. His transition to the position -- at least at this point, before the real artillery starts flying -- has exceeded anybody's highest hopes.

Except, of course, Hester's.

''I have been around a lot of guys, a lot of really good receivers, and he has a chance to be better than all of them,'' said Bears wide receivers coach Darryl Drake, who has worked with Hines Ward and Roy Williams. ''That is a strong statement, but I really believe that.

''He has as good a pair of hands as anybody. And then his natural ability to run after the catch is just unbelievable. He has not dropped a ball. Not one ball in any of these practices. Not just minicamp -- all of the OTAs. I don't have to tell him anything anymore. He's telling me stuff when I am screwed up. He has taken the time to study it. He has been in my office every day since the beginning ... he's just so far ahead right now it's unbelievable.''

Can't risk his magic on returns
Ever since the Bears first floated the idea of expanding Hester's role to include offense, alarms have sounded about making sure they don't lose what he provides right now: incredible field position and the possibility of a home run in every at-bat. Hester is in the process of rewriting the NFL record book with 13 return touchdowns in his career, including a 108-yard return of a missed field goal and a 92-yard return of the opening kickoff of the Super Bowl his rookie year.

The Bears don't want to put that at risk, but they certainly want to get the ball in his hands more. That's why he's at receiver, and that's why it appeared he was being force-fed the ball over the three days of minicamp. It's a careful process, because Drake is correct when he says Hester ''was our best offensive player last year because he gave us great field position.'' He's also correct when he says, ''You have to be selfish, too, as a team, when you have a guy that talented. You have to get the ball in his hands.''

Will Hester be the next Steve Smith, a return man who developed into a great receiver? Don't forget injuries came with that transition.

It's a work in progress, but the only advice at this point is to give Hester a rich, long contract. Pay him now as a return guy, or you will pay through the nose to keep him as a receiver. The Bears ought to cut a blank check and let Hester fill in as many zeros as he deems fair. If he doesn't reach an agreement this offseason with two years left on his deal, he'd be a fool to sign something next year when he can smell the free-agent market.

A cynic would suggest the Bears believe their confounding offense will prevent any receiver from breaking out. Maybe they believe he'll remain their property for six years because owners recently opted out of the collective-bargaining agreement.

Earned his raise
But Hester, more than anyone else around Halas Hall, deserves a big pay increase from the less than half a million he'll pick up this year as part of his four-year, $2.61million rookie deal. If Bernard Berrian earned a six-year, $42million deal from Minnesota in free agency, what might Hester be worth in a couple of years?

''I do want to get paid,'' Hester said. ''But I am not going to sit here and complain about not getting paid enough to come out here and play ball. I will just put it all in God's hands.''

That's one powerful agent.

(suntimes.com)

Devin Hester says the prospect of getting a new contract that reflects his spectacular achievements of the past two seasons is constantly on his mind.

"I would be lying to you if I said it was easy. It's not easy," he said. "Sometimes you wish it wouldn't even come up, but right now, unfortunately, you're in a position where you can get a new contract and it goes through your mind every day. Each and every day I wake up I think about it. What's going on?"

And Hester worries that in a split second an injury could diminish his earning power before he gets the money he deserves after putting together the most productive back-to-back seasons by a return specialist in NFL history. So far, Hester has:

• Seven punt-return touchdowns.
• Four kickoff-return touchdowns.
• A 108-yard TD return of a missed field goal.
• And a 92-yard kickoff return for a TD in Super Bowl XLI.

"You have doubts about coming out here and getting injured," he said Saturday after minicamp. "But, at the same time, you know being out here is going to better your game. You know every day you miss is a day you lose. When you're out here you know you're getting better and better -- that's the No. 1 thing that keeps me motivated. I'm the type of player that wants to get better and wants to help out the team as much as I can."

Complicating Hester's situation is the fact that he's still transitioning to and learning the wide receiver position. He caught just 20 passes last year in his first season as a full-time wideout, but coach Lovie Smith says he has the talent to become a No. 1 receiver in the NFL.

"The thing is, I can get a contract right now as the best return man, but that's not what I want," Hester said. "I'm looking forward to being one of the No. 1 receivers, and I want to get paid as a receiver. That's basically the biggest holdup right now."

Hester said he hasn't received any indication that a new deal is imminent.

"It's a slow process," he said. "It's a business. Right now you're just hoping for the best and hoping that you get what you're worth."

While he's trying not to let the contract situation disrupt his learning curve at wide receiver, Hester admitted he would be disappointed if he enters the regular season still playing under the terms of the four-year, $2.86 million deal he signed as a second-round pick in 2006, which included $1.26 million in guaranteed money.

"It would be very hard to do," he said.

His base salary of $360,000 last season was the league minimum, as is the $445,000 base he's scheduled to make this season. But for now, he's willing to be patient.

"It's tough, but I did sign a contract, so I'm obligated to come out here," he said. "I'd be reneging if I didn't show up, but at the same time it's very frustrating. I do want to get paid. But I'm not going to sit here and complain about not getting paid enough. I'm going to come out here and play ball."

(dailyherald.com)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – It’s easier to stump Devin Hester than to keep him out of the end zone.

At least that’s the way it appeared after the electrifying All-Pro delivered another dazzling individual effort during Saturday’s minicamp practice at Halas Hall.

Hester provided the highlight of the workout by tracking down a deep Kyle Orton pass that appeared to be overthrown with a superhuman burst. Later, the dynamic third-year pro was asked to recall the last time a quarterback threw a pass beyond his reach.

After pausing for a moment, Hester said with a smile: “I can’t even remember.”

Hester flashed his big play ability last season, catching touchdown passes of 81 yards against the Vikings and 55 yards versus the Saints. His instructions to the quarterback are simple.

“Whenever we get a deep ball, I tell him to just throw it as far as he can and hopefully I’ll be able to run it down,” Hester said. “That’s what we work hard on every day.”

Hester is trying to prove that he’s more than just a deep threat. Entering his second season as a NFL wide receiver, he’s working primarily on route timing during offseason workouts. 

“That’s the most important thing,” said Hester, who caught 20 passes for 299 yards and 2 TDs last season. “The NFL is all about timing and being at the right spot at the right time.”

With his comfort level on offense at an all-time high, Hester is determined to win a starting job.

“If you’re a receiver and you don’t feel that way, then you don’t deserve to be out here on the field,” he said. “You get better by competing, and that’s what I’m out here doing. When the season kicks off, hopefully I’ll have the opportunity to be one of the [starters].

“It’s all about competing, and right now the position is wide open. The best two are going to step up and play.”

(chicagobears.com)

Lake Forest -  Quarterback Kyle Orton threw the football as far as he could.

Devin Hester was the intended target down the left sideline, but the pass appeared considerably overthrown.

“I didn’t think he’d go get it,” receivers coach Darryl Drake said. “He’s not going to get that.”

But he did.

“That’s what he has — he’s got an exceptional gear, and the ability to adjust and go get it,” Drake said. “That does a lot for the quarterback, it does a lot for him, it does a lot for us to know what we’ve got here.

“He’s got a chance to stretch the field and go get the ball like (Bernard) Berrian did when he was here. Maybe he even has a different gear, and it’s very pleasing to see that.”

As for catching up to the bomb, Hester said “that’s what me and the quarterbacks talk about. Whenever we get a deep ball, I tell them to just throw it as far as you can, hoping I’ll be able to run it down. It’s what we work on every day.”

Hester then was asked when the last time someone threw a pass he didn’t catch up to.

He pondered it, finally offering “I don’t know.”

“I’ve always had it,” he said of an extra gear.

Catches like Saturday’s can only enhance his chances to get a grip on a reworked contract as he heads into his third season.

Defensive end Tommie Harris and linebacker Brian Urlacher also want something done with their situations, but all are at camp.

(rrstar.com)

Devin Hester was on the field taking snaps with the first-team offense at receiver and fielding kicks on special teams. His contract situation was the last thing on his mind during Friday's two-hour mini-camp. But after the day concluded, Hester opened up about his contract situation. "Yeah, I wish it would have been done by now," he said. "They're just not close to agreeing on what we want. But they're working with my agent."

(chicagosports.chicagotribune.com)

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. -- Chicago Bears returner Devin Hester will join |NFL superstars Randy Moss, Shawne Merriman, Fred Taylor, Bob Sanders, T.J. Houshmanzedah and Julius Peppers and other NFL players as instructors for the Offense-Defense Football Camps held nationwide this summer.

O-D Football Camps, the Official Football Camp of the NFL Coaches Association, will work with football players between the ages of 7-18 all across the country, including a camp in Chicago.

Now in its 40th season of conducting the only full-contact camps in the country, O-D Football Camps will be held in 35 cities.

This summer's pro lineup reads like a hard-core fan's fantasy team, with seven Pro Bowl and 34 total NFL players taking part in the No. 1 Summer Sports Camp, as named by Sports Illustrated for Kids.

In keeping with the Offense-Defense philosophy, O-D Football Camps have selected the best on both sides of the ball. Moss, who set an NFL record by catching 23 touchdown passes in 2007, will team up with Patriots' wide receiving mate Wesley Welker at the New England held camp in July.

Sanders, the reigning NFL defensive MVP for the Colts, will instruct at the Indianapolis camp in June, while Merriman, the Chargers' Pro Bowl linebacker, will be featured at the San Diego camp in June.

On special teams, the Bears' Hester, who holds the NFL record for kick returns for touchdowns, will be at the Chicago camp in June.

O-D Football Camps are deep at wide receiver, with the Cardinals' Anquan Boldin in Flagstaff in July and the Cowboys' Patrick Crayton in Houston and the 49ers' Ashley Lelie in San Francisco in June.

So who's going to throw the ball to the all-star cast of wide receivers? O-D Football Camps has them covered, with Rams quarterback Marc Bulger making an appearance at the St. Louis camp in June.

The registration deadline is May 31. To find and register for a camp near you, visit www.o-d.com.

Devin Hester, this is ridiculous.

Sorry to borrow Bears play-by-play man Jeff Joniak's favorite adjective in reference to the All-Pro kick returner, but that best describes one way Hester's agent could have told the player how Tuesday's NFL labor impasse might affect his contract talks with the Bears.

Before the league's 32 owners voted unanimously to opt out early from the collective bargaining agreement with the NFL Players Association that was to have run through 2012, Hester had two years left on his rookie deal before he could have attained free agent status.
That unfathomable option—a potential Hall of Fame player being allowed to sign with another team, even for compensation—gave Hester unspoken leverage during ongoing negotiations to extend his contract.

Now it has vanished as quickly as Hester through the wedge on a kickoff return. If the 2010 season takes place without a salary cap, maybe the biggest result of Tuesday's vote, then an oft-overlooked provision written into the original agreement in 1993 extends the amount of required service for potential free agents in an uncapped year from four seasons to six.

That means Hester wouldn't be permitted to test free agency until after the 2011 season at the earliest—in essence buying the Bears two more years of highlights from Hester and more time to work out a long-term deal.

The most underpaid athlete in Chicago is scheduled to make $445,000 this season and $530,000 in 2009. He signed a four-year, $2.61 million contract in 2006 after he was the 57th overall pick in the second round. It should be filed under Hester Heist in a Halas Hall drawer.

Hester has made it known he isn't happy with the terms of his deal and the Bears began addressing the matter with agent Eugene Parker in February at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. Though less vocal about his contract status than fellow stars Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs have been, Hester confided in mentor Deion Sanders last month, surely knowing Sanders would share the news with his NFL Network audience.

One view: While still unclear and reversible, Tuesday's CBA development lessens the urgency for the Bears, who don't like redoing contracts with two years remaining anyway.

Another immediate result of playing 2010 without a salary cap and a potential work stoppage looming a year later could be teams showing more reluctance to commit big money beyond the next three years. That could factor into discussions involving Tommie Harris, who is looking for the richest deal ever awarded a defensive tackle.

Harris already has turned down an offer from the Bears one source said was richer than the record-setting seven-year, $50.5 million deal the Raiders gave Tommy Kelly. Why would the Bears up the offer amid labor uncertainty?

That's a question Harris might want to ponder, not that his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, will persuade him to settle for anything other than a historic contract.

On the other hand, Harris might have gained a slight bit of leverage because he now can make the argument he is served best over the long haul by signing nothing if the Bears won't match his price.

Even if Harris and the Bears don't come to terms in the next two months and he technically becomes a free agent before the final capped season of 2009, expect the Bears to apply the franchise tag to keep him in Chicago. That would guarantee Harris around $7 million in 2009 (the tag value for defensive tackles in 2008 was $6.3 million).

Then after the 2009 season, Harris would stand to be the most hotly pursued free agent in a market that has no ceiling because of the absence of a salary cap. Can you imagine the potential bidding war between Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for a 27-year-old defensive tackle who could be coming off five straight Pro Bowl appearances?

Forget Harris donating equipment to a children's center in Killeen, Texas. He could buy Killeen.

If 2010 ends up being an uncapped year, it also could end up being significant in stabilizing the Bears' quarterback position if Kyle Orton beats out Rex Grossman and goes on to enjoy two seasons' worth of success. Orton redid his deal to run through 2009, but that would complete only his fifth season in the league and the new caveat requires six years of service before free agency.

Under that scenario—no guarantee for a guy who hasn't proved he's a bona fide NFL starter—Orton could face the prospect of negotiating with the Bears before the 2010 uncapped season with a work stoppage looming. That would be less than ideal for Orton or any player looking for a long-term deal amid so much short-term uncertainty.

Tuesday's news probably has no impact on Urlacher's contract impasse, which he maintains is more about respect than salary cap space. If he and the team find a middle ground before training camp on July 23, as expected, it likely will be the last contract Urlacher signs.

John Tait and Adewale Ogunleye each might have one deal left in them, but they will be 35 and 33, respectively, before the 2010 season. Each player's contract is to expire at the end of 2009.

Interest in either player may depend on where the Bears are in their rebuilding project. And where they are in the rebuilding project might depend on how happy and productive they keep core players such as Harris and Hester, two stars whose talks got more interesting Tuesday without either saying a word.

(chicagosports.chicagotribune.com)

11. Devin Hester, Chicago Bears--This might be the most amazing guy on this list considering he only has 20 receptions in two years. I feel pretty confident in saying I never thought a kick returner would get this high.

18. Sean Taylor, Washington Redskins--A spot on this list is an unbelievable tribute to the late Taylor.

(mysportsradio.com)

The Associated Press reports Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said the team does not anticipate trading WR Devin Hester and have not had any discussions with other teams. However, Angelo said if a trade became available that would make the team better, they would look to possibly trade.


(kffl.com)

It was not surprise to spot agent Eugene Parker at Halas Hall this afternoon.

As expected, he made the trip to Lake Forest from his base in Indiana, showing up to discuss the future of wide receiver/returner Devin Hester with management.

Surely Parker’s arrival was relief for general manager Jerry Angelo, who was at least mildly irked by the barrage of questions centered on the face of the franchise, Brian Urlacher. That’s a face that is no doubt frowning in his contract staredown with the club. More on that situation later on.

But hammering out a deal with Parker will not be an easy thing. Hester has lofty ambitions, and justifiably so given his performance the past two seasons. He also has two years remaining on his rookie contract and it will be an interesting situation to follow.

“These are very, very difficult things to do,” Angelo said of longterm extensions.

Indeed.

(blogs.suntimes.com)

Brian Urlacher will have to wait his turn.

While the star linebacker is becoming more vocal about his contract demands, return specialist and receiver Devin Hester is next when it comes to talks with the Bears.

The team will get down to business with Hester's agent, Eugene Parker, this week and try to reach a long-term deal.

No agreement is imminent, but with talks stalled on a deal with defensive tackle Tommie Harris, the Bears are aggressively moving to accomplish what the offseason goal has been all along -- rewarding players already at Halas Hall.

One source said the team will ''look at it more seriously with a little more urgency.''

The Bears first approached Parker about Hester at the combine when they put the wraps on a contract for Rex Grossman, and the sides have had discussions since. It's a complicated matter because there aren't any comparable deals to shape money talks. Hester is unparalleled in NFL history as a returner, and coach Lovie Smith says he has the skills to develop as a No. 1 receiver.

If Hester develops on offense this season, his value is only going to increase. He already has meant plenty when it comes to points. He has scored more touchdowns the last two seasons than anyone else and is directly responsible for at least a handful of Bears victories. Hester will earn a base salary of $445,000 this season and is on the books for $530,000 in 2009.

The four-year contract he signed as the 57th pick in 2006 is worth a little more than $2.61 million. Doing a deal halfway through a four-year contract will set a precedent for the Bears. They balked at efforts by cornerback Nathan Vasher to do the same two years ago. But Hester has grossly outperformed his contract.

Parker has successfully brokered shorter deals for clients to ensure they get back to the bargaining table soon.

Arizona Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald just signed a four-year, $40 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. When it expires, he'll be 28.

Hester is 25 and doesn't have the same leverage as Fitzgerald, who had the Cardinals over a barrel with monster salary-cap figures for the next two seasons.

The hurdle will be whether the Bears can talk Hester into an extension that incorporates the existing contract. It's one of the hang-ups with Harris.

The Bears want to maintain the integrity of the current deals and feel they should be compensated for forking over big bonus money early. The Bears don't want to pay a free-agency premium when the player isn't in free agency.

The trick you have is if the Bears offer Hester a four-year extension with $24 million in new money -- these figures are simply for the purpose of explanation -- it's going to be a six-year contract worth $24.975 million after incorporating the two remaining years on the deal. That's less palatable to the player. It's why Harris isn't keen on his offer that incorporates his base pay for this season -- less than $1 million. Players want their old contracts torn up.

Hester's pal, former NFL great Deion Sanders, said last week on NFL Network that Hester was ''upset'' with his contract. Unlike with Urlacher, no one invoked the idea of a trade or retirement, though.

(suntimes.com)

From Devin Hester’s mind to Deion Sanders’ lips ... or something like that.

Everyone knows the sensational return man has a close friend and confidant in Sanders, and his buddy did the talking for him appearing Tuesday on the NFL Network’s “Total Access.” Sanders was discussing the slate of games the league will televise, including the Week 15 meeting between New Orleans and Chicago on Thursday, Dec. 11 at Soldier Field.

“Come on, the quarterback problems of the Chicago Bears are still there and then they gave away every receiver they had that was halfway decent,” Sanders said. “They’re looking for tremendous things from this guy, Devin Hester, but Devin Hester isn’t happy with his contract and he deserves to be paid amongst the league’s best.

“So I look at a myriad of problems for the Chicago Bears and they’ve got to address those issues now.”

There you have it. Add Hester to the expanding list of employees at 1000 Football Drive who are unhappy with their paycheck. Get in line.

The Bears have had only preliminary discussions with agent Eugene Parker, and with two years remaining on Hester’s rookie contract, this isn’t going to be an easy problem to solve. Hester desires to be paid among the league’s elite players and he bolsters his case with the fact that he’s scored more touchdowns the last two seasons than anyone else on the roster. He can point to games in which he directly impacted the outcome. Hester’s case is that he forces the opponent to adjust every time he steps on the field. If he makes strides as a receiver this season, his price will only go up.

Want a safe bet? Hester is aiming to get money in line with the $42 million, six-year contract Bernard Berrian received from the Minnesota Vikings. But he’d surely settle for fewer years. Parker has been setting up his clients with shorter contracts to get them back to the bargaining table sooner. He did just that in Arizona with wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald. The Cardinals were on the hook to Fitzgerald for more than $32 million over the next two seasons. Parker brokered a four-year deal worth $40 million that includes $30 million guaranteed. The beauty of it? It gets Fitzgerald back to free agency in four years when he is 28, ready to take another bite from the apple.

The Bears have $16 million in salary-cap room and would like to extend Hester and defensive tackle Tommie Harris. They’re nowhere near that goal right now. The good thing is there are five months until the season begins.

(chicagotribune.com)

Chicago coach Lovie Smith plans to have Devin Hester more involved in the Bears' offense this year. In fact, at last week's NFL owners' meetings, Smith said Hester had asked for more turns at wide receiver, with Smith seeing no reason not to grant his request.

Well, I do. Smith risks losing what he has, and what he has is the best return man in the business. 

"We're not going to risk anything special-teams wise," Smith insisted when I brought up the subject. "I know what you're saying, and, yeah, there's a danger. But we're not going to do that.

"We know he's special as a returner, and we're going to try not to mess with that as much as we can. But I still I see him being able to make an impact as a returner (while) giving him a few more reps on the offensive side of the ball."

For Smith's sake, and for the sake of the Bears, I hope he's right. Because if he's not this could be a disaster.

Look, we all know what Chicago has in Hester as a return specialist. What we don't know is how playing more like a full-time wide receiver will affect him. But I know how it could.

It could exhaust him. He could be injured. And it could influence what he does best. But don't take it from me; take it from another NFC special teams coach who has to face Hester during the season.

"There is no question that, as an opponent, you would much prefer to kick the ball to someone who plays a lot more than someone who's more of a part-time player or a specialist," he said. "I don't know what the odds are, but my experience is that guys who play a lot are more apt to fair-catch the ball.

"The quickness isn't the same, and sometimes the speed isn't, either. I don't know, but when guys play a lot on offense or defense they're just not the same."

Hester didn't play a lot on offense last year, but he did play enough to qualify as a weapon. He caught 20 passes for 299 yards and two touchdowns and was the deep threat the Bears needed when they rallied to catch Minnesota in the dying minutes of a game they eventually lost.

If you're looking for a wide receiver, Hester is hard to resist. He's fast. He's elusive. And he knows how to find the end zone.

But look what Chicago gained from him last year as a return specialist: He scored a league-high six times, including four by punt returns. His eight TDs led the Bears and were more than full-time stars like Edgerrin James, Steven Jackson and Frank Gore each produced.

More importantly, they were enough to have people question if he's the best returner of all time.

But it's not just that Hester can beat you with his legs. He can change games just by taking the field. Look back at Seattle's defeat of the Bears last season, and see how the Seahawks covered Hester on his last punt return

They didn't. They kicked the ball out of bounds.

"I'm pretty sure I never told a punter to intentionally kick the ball out of bounds -- and I mean in my career -- until that game," said Seattle special teams coordinator Bruce DeHaven. "I've told him to kick to one side, to directional kick or to punt to the end zone, but I'm pretty sure I never told anyone to kick the ball out of bounds until that Chicago game. Devin Hester is a tremendous weapon who can change a game."
Precisely. So why risk sacrificing that? I understand what Smith is saying, but I also understand what he's looking at for wide receivers: Marty Booker, Brandon Lloyd and Mark Bradley. If they were my top pass catchers I'd be dialing 911, too.

Except I'm not sure you call Hester. When you have the top return man in the league, why tap him to bail out a mediocre passing attack?
No offense, Bears' fans, but have you taken a look at your quarterbacks lately? Before thinking about Hester as an outside receiver maybe you should think about a quarterback who can throw as many touchdown passes as interceptions or a running game that ranks higher than 30th.

Hester is not the answer unless, of course, you're talking about beating someone with your special teams. The guy is so dangerous, so intimidating, so downright frightening that I have no idea why anyone kicks to him. But they do, and ask Mike Shanahan how that worked out for Denver.

Once you start tinkering with him as something more than a bit player at wide receiver, though, you risk losing what you have as a returner. And what you have is something no one else does.

"I think there were more plays we could've given him last year," said Smith. "Yes, there is a risk involved with it, but we won't worry about that."

Maybe they should.

"As much as anything," said Smith, "this is what he wants to do, too. He is working very hard right now to be a receiver. That's what he sees himself becoming -- a receiver we can go to and make an impact."

Devin Hester already makes an impact -- as a special teams star. Why not leave it at that?

(cbs.sportsline.com)

"I think Devin Hester can pretty much be what he wants to be," Smith said. "Can he be a three-down receiver? Definitely."

Smith said the plan is to have Hester return fewer kicks, but will use him on special teams on a limited basis.

"You have to be realistic to know he can't do it all," Smith said.

Smith indicated Danieal Manning could help the Bears on kick returns, and mentioned restricted free-agent receiver Rashied Davis as another possible return man.

Yet that doesn't mean we have seen the last of Hester the return man.

"We're in a game and we need a play and they're kicking the ball off to us, there is a good chance you are going to see him back there," Smith said. "They're punting the ball to us and we need a big play, no matter what part of the game, there is a good chance you are going to see him back there."

(chicagotribune.com)

Bears coach Lovie Smith wants to increase Devin Hester’s role in the offense as a wide receiver, but not at the expense of decreasing Hester’s impact in the return game. Hester, a Riviera Beach native, caught at least one pass in 10 games last year, and finished with 20 for 299 yards and two touchdowns. The Bears lost to free agency their top two receivers from last year, Bernard Berrian and Muhsin Muhammad. “Can he be a three-down receiver? Definitely,” Smith said of Hester. “But we have a guy that’s special at something. I don’t think you automatically take him off it to play somewhere else. … It’s been a long time since anyone has been able to (return kicks) full time and be a full-time receiver, too.”

(miamiherald.com)

The NFL has no interest in doing Devin Hester any favors, so there will be no "Devin Hester rule" passed any time soon.

In recent weeks, the league considered legislating against punting out of bounds—which teams did frequently when opposing Hester last season. A survey was sent to head coaches and general managers to get their reaction to such a rule, but the response was overwhelmingly against changing what often is a strategic move to trap an opponent inside his own 20-yard line rather than kicking into the end zone for a touchback.

The NFL's competition committee also had a discussion about enacting a new rule, but it didn't go very far.

"Directional kicking is a difficult thing to do," said Colts President Bill Polian, a member of the competition committee. "We saw no evidence that [punting out of bounds] is growing in use. So it's not an issue we had a lot of concern about. Very few people can do it, and the odds of it backfiring on you are pretty high. If you shank it, it's 20 yards, not 40. It's a tough skill to execute."

"I could tell you from our own personal experience that it's very difficult to do. [Colts punter Hunter Smith] has an awfully hard time with it."

(chicagosports.chicagotribune.com)

The first USF spring football scrimmage on Saturday was sort of a hot spot for NFL players — both current and future. Two former Bulls — Mike Jenkins, who was wearing a Denver Broncos beanie hat and Dallas Cowboys cornerback Anthony Henry were seen watching.

Another NFL player — Chicago Bears return specialist Devin Hester, cousin of USF junior wide receiver Jesse Hester Jr. — was also seen watching the action. Hester took time to answer some questions for The Oracle.

Oracle: What is it like to watch your cousin playing Big East football?

Devin Hester: I'm just glad to see him out there. First of all, you've got to thank God for putting him in the situation that he's in now. A lot of kids don't get the opportunity to play in high school, and he's out there playing college football. I just hope that God continues to keep blessing him and hopefully, one day, he's out there with me.

O: Did you see his game-winning catch against Auburn?

DH: Yeah, I did. It was great to have somebody else have the ability to go out and do the things that you hope for kids to do.

O: How much progress have you seen from Jesse during his USF career?

DH: I'm just glad that he's making plays right now. He's getting better each year, and hopefully, by the time he's ready to go to the (National Football) League, he'll be ready to compete at the highest level.


(oraclesports.blogspot.com)

1. What is the first thing you look for once you’ve caught the ball on a return? Is it something you just feel or can you actually see the holes opening for a split second?

It’s a little bit of both. It’s something that I can feel, but I also feel that I have good vision to see things before they happen.

2. What type of speed-training regiment do you follow in the offseason?

I just work on the basic techniques and the proper way of running; trying to keep your form, being more relaxed and not tensing up when you’re running, and make sure you’re lifting your legs and not straining too much on your hamstrings.

3. Who is your best friend on the Bears?

There are four that are even: Jason McKie, Mark Bradley, Tommie Harris and Garrett Wolfe.

4. How has playing professional football changed your life?

It’s given me more opportunities as far as my lifestyle and allowed me to experience things I never imagined I would experience. With wealth, I can do pretty much what I want. But you’ve got to provide a good example because you have a lot of people that look up to you now.

5. Do you see yourself playing your entire career with the Bears?
Yes, I do.

6. What do you think you need to do to become a complete receiver in the NFL?

I just need to get more repetition. The more opportunity I get, the better I feel I’ll get.

7. What type of music do you listen to while warming up before games?

A lot of hip-hop—I like Little Wayne—and a little R&B.

8. What’s your favorite thing to watch on television?

I like to watch NFL Network.

9. If you had your pick of any position on the field, which one would you choose to play?

I’d want to play a little quarterback. I think that would slow down the pass rush. They’d try to force me to throw the ball.

10. Do you get angry or frustrated when opponents try to keep the ball out of your hands with squib kicks?

A little of both, but at the same time, they’re showing that they respect me.

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Tickets to the Devin Hester autograph-signing session at Sports Fanatic Store in Spring Hill Mall are almost sold out. The Chicago Bears' kick-return specialist will sign merchandise at 5 p.m. April 2. Tickets are $100 per autograph, payable by cash only, and are available from the Sports Fanatic Store. A personal message can be added to the autograph for $25. In addition, a special raffle will be held for three separate Hester autographed items. Each raffle ticket is $5 and all proceeds will benefit the St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital.

(dailyherald.com)

The Bears will now turn to Pro Bowl returner Devin Hester as their leading wide receiver for 2008 and likely will be seeking to bring in another player through free agency.

(rotoworld.com)