Over the past few months, the Chicago Bears have transformed their receiving corps from one of the NFL's shortest to arguably the tallest. They've reunited the key players from the Denver Broncos' dynamic 2008 offense and they've fended off questions -- including some from their quarterback -- about their offensive line. But to me, the most intriguing thing happening in Chicago at the moment is the development of a mysterious package of plays for receiver/kick returner Devin Hester, the latest in a long line of attempts to harness Hester's Hall of Fame speed and skills for their offense.

General manager Phil Emery hinted at the new approach shortly after the draft. Offensive coordinator Mike Tice and receivers coach Darryl Drake offered some morsels to reporters during last weekend's rookie minicamp, and all that's left now is to see if it actually works.

Part of me wants to roll my eyes and cringe, as we did recently on the blog, as the Bears once again refuse to accept what Hester is and isn't -- at least what he hasn't been yet. They remain unsatisfied with him simply being the best kick returner in NFL history. And another part thinks this attempt could prove to be the most productive balance the Bears have tried yet.

Drake might have best explained the plan last weekend by suggesting the "Hester Package" will limit snaps but elevate targets to make more efficient use of Hester's time on offense.

"The talent has always been there," Drake told reporters. "It's just a matter of not having him play 70 plays and throw to him twice. Play him 15 [plays], let him touch it 13 [times.] In order for him to be effective, we don't need to have him out there playing that many plays. If he's out there, put the ball in his hands. We need to have that package, and Mike Tice -- I promise you -- he's going to do it."

On the surface, it makes sense. Hester's combination of speed and open-field running ability is rare and awfully tempting to expand on. And when you look at the chart, you see what happens when a team doesn't have or utilize the speed to stretch a defense vertically. The 2011 Bears, for instance, had one of the least efficient short passing games in the NFL last season.

But running a full game's worth of pass routes probably takes the edge off Hester's energy in the return game. There is reason to think he could have a similar impact in 15 plays designed to involve him than he could in 70 plays that spread the ball around the field.

That appears to be the starting point for a tweak that appears to have emanated from, or at least endorsed by, Emery himself.

"I want to make sure that we have a special plan for Devin," Emery said last month. "We have the 'Devin Package' -- packages of plays as a receiver. You never know where he's going to line up. I don't want to get too far ahead of that in terms of letting other people know what we're going to do with him, but he will have a package of plays that we feel can bring out his dynamic ability to the forefront and if not only as carrying or catching the ball, but sometimes that's a decoy.

"Devin's speed vertically is something that has to be accounted for. So if that pulls people from coverage, to handle that vertical ball, you've got other people; we've got some awfully big targets to hit."

On the other hand, of course, it's not as easy as it sounds. You better believe that opposing defenses will notice when Hester is on the field, especially now that the Bears have announced they want to get him the ball often in the relatively brief period of time he plays offense. I don't think it will make teams leave, say, Brandon Marshall wide open to account for Hester, but his appearance isn't going to surprise anyone, either.

The "Hester Package" has already conjured comparisons to the "Randy Ratio" that Tice used after taking over the Minnesota Vikings' head coaching job in 2002. As you might recall, a study of the Vikings' 2001 season showed they won every game they targeted receiver Randy Moss on at least 40 percent of their throws. Tice announced he would make that goal a centerpiece of his offense.

The "Randy Ratio" wasn't a schematic adjustment as much as it was Tice's attempt to cajole the notoriously anti-authoritarian receiver to buy in as a team leader. It backfired on a number of fronts, and Tice himself acknowledged over the weekend that it "came back to bite me in the [rear end]."

Turning serious, Tice said: "Devin is going to be on the field. If he's not on the field, then they should fire me."

That final line speaks to the extent the Bears have prioritized Hester's potential contribution. You know the old saying: If at first you don't succeed, try try again.


(espn.com)

Devin Hester will be the Chicago Bears' top kickoff returner this year, special teams coordinator Dave Toub said Saturday, refuting reports that the electric wide receiver would be dropped from such duty.

"Hester is our punt returner and he is our No. 1 kickoff returner," Toub said according to The Chicago Tribune. "He is still our No. 1 kickoff returner."
The NFL's all-time leader in return touchdowns took back one kickoff for a touchdown last season, averaging 21.9 yards per return. Hester scored two punt-return touchdowns last season.

"It's pretty simple to me," Toub said. "I just laugh when I hear all these stories out here."

There had been speculation in Chicago that Hester would be used solely on punt returns after the Bears signed free agents Eric Weems and Devin Thomas to help return kicks.

Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice has also beaten back speculation that Hester would no longer be an every-down receiver after the team added wideouts Brandon Marshall and rookie Alshon Jeffery in the offseason.

"Devin is going to be on the field," Tice said Friday. "If he's not on the field, then they should fire me."


(nfl.com)

When asked about the Bears’ most prominent returning receiver, offensive coordinator Mike Tice quickly pointed out he didn’t first mention a ‘‘Devin [Hester] package.’’

That, of course, came from Bears general manager Phil Emery during draft weekend.

Tice was a bit jumpy because of his own history.

‘‘I did the ‘Randy Ratio’; that came back to bite me in the [rear end], right?’’ a playful Tice said Friday. ‘‘But Devin is going to be on the field. If he’s not on the field, then they should fire me.’’

After he was named the Minnesota Vikings’ coach in January 2002, Tice said he had developed a formula to ensure that perennial Pro Bowl receiver Randy Moss would remain active in his offense. He called it the ‘‘Randy Ratio,’’ and he explained that at least 40 percent of the Vikings’ passes would be intended for Moss.

Moss had 1,347 receiving yards the next season, but he averaged a career-low 12.7 yards per catch. In addition, the Vikings finished 6-10.
Still, Tice reiterated a common theme at Halas Hall: Hester will be very involved in the Bears’ offense.

‘‘We see him as a guy that is going to help our receiving corps in a big way,’’ Emery said at the draft. ‘‘We want to make sure that we have a special plan for Devin. We have the Devin package, a package of plays as a receiver.

‘‘You never know where he is going to line up.’’


(suntimes.com)

The Chicago Bears are still waiting for Devin Hester to emerge as a top receiver but his new teammate Brandon Marshall came away impressed with what he has seen.

"I've never been around a receiver, never seen a receiver who runs routes like Devin Hester does outside," Marshall said Monday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "He has all the skills to be a Pro Bowl receiver, not a punt returner -- we all know what he can do there -- but a Pro Bowl receiver.

"Honestly I think he is going to have a bigger year than me this year. I just don't think he's been in an environment, a situation offensively that catered to him as a player. I think with [quarterback coach] Jeremy Bates and [quarterback] Jay [Cutler] growing and maturing, I think they will be able to put him in a better position this year to where he can probably do damage. I'm excited about everyone else, but the person I'm more excited to see is Devin."

Hester has averaged 39 receptions and 513 yards in five seasons as a receiver. He is coming off a 26-catch season in 2011, his worst since 2007, his first as a receiver.

Bears coach Lovie Smith seemed to indicate at the NFL owners meetings that Hester will be relegated only to punt returns in addition to his receiver duties, leaving kick returns to Eric Weems and Devin Thomas.


(espn.com)

Mike Tice had the "Randy Ratio" while with the Minnesota Vikings . In Chicago, the team's new offensive coordinator will have the "Devin Package." Bears general manager Phil Emery did the naming honors after this weekend's draft while explaining how Devin Hester will fit into the new Bears attack .

"Devin's role has not changed," Emery said. "We see him as a guy that is going to help our receiving corps in a big way. I know that Coach Tice has done a lot of planning. We want to make sure that we have a special plan for Devin, we have the Devin Package, a package of plays as a receiver. You never know where he is going to line up."

Translation: Devin's role has changed.

The Bears have unsuccessfully tried to make Hester an every-down receiver. This was done in part to please Hester, to see how much he could handle, and to justify the huge contract the team gave him. That plan hasn't totally failed -- Hester is useful at times at receiver -- but he hasn't developed into a consistent threat.

Creating a special package of plays for Hester makes sense. It's the role he was meant to have all along -- No. 4 receiver. But there's no denying it's a change for a player who started 25 games at wideout from 2009-2010. (He started eight last season as the Bears started to reduce his snaps.)

The Bears added Alshon Jeffrey over the weekend and Brandon Marshall earlier in the offseason. Earl Bennett will continue to get a lot of snaps, which leaves Hester as a part-time player. Chicago can get more out of Hester this way.


(nfl.com)

The Chicago Bears have had a busy offseason to this point, adding 15 players in free agency and then drafting six over the weekend.

Four of those newcomers are wide receivers making it clear general manager Phil Emery is intent on overhauling a position that has long underachieved for the Bears. The Bears traded for Brandon Marshall, picked up Eric Weeks and Devin Thomas in free agency and then traded up in the second round to select South Carolina’s Alshon Jeffery on Friday night.

Not to be forgotten is Devin Hester, a man Emery says the Bears are crafting quite a plan for under new offensive coordinator Mike Tice.

“Devin’s role has not changed,” Emery said. “We see him as a guy that is going to help our receiving corps in a big way. I know that Coach Tice has done a lot of planning. We want to make sure that we have a special plan for Devin, we have the Devin Package, a package of plays as a receiver. You never know where he is going to line up and I don’t want to get too far ahead of that in terms of telling other people what we’re going to do with him.

“But we will have a package of plays that we feel can bring his dynamic ability to the forefront and not only as carrying or catching the ball but sometimes that is a decoy. Devin’s speed vertically is something that has to be accounted for so if that pulls people from coverage to handle that vertical ball we’ve got some awfully big targets.”

Don’t look for Hester to go the Muhsin Muhammad route and have a jersey with the name D-Coy on the back any time soon. The Bears want to maximize Hester and they want to do so in the open field.

What is also interesting is several newcomers, including Weeks and Thomas, has experience as return men. So does Greg McCoy, the cornerback, a seventh-round pick from TCU.

“Yeah, we like those guys with returning skills because you never know how injury situations are going to occur,” Emery said. “Guys get on hot streaks and sometimes they get on cold streaks and it’s good to have other options out there.”


(chicagotribune.com)

LOMBARD, Ill. -- Just after Devin Hester stepped off a stage in the Dick’s Sporting Goods parking lot, he was given the news: The Chicago Bears drafted a receiver, Alshon Jeffery, in the second round of the NFL draft.

Like the rabid Bears fans who came out to see him, Hester said he knew that move was coming, and just like the fans, he's happy the Bears got a big target. It's been a long time coming.

“We need at least five or six solid receivers with this type of offense that we got,” he said at an event to promote Nike’s new football jersey. “We knew that we were going to go into this draft and get another receiver. We know, as players, that we need another guy. In this league, guys get hurt, left and right, and the more you preserve your players, alternate in and out, the longer they last.”

The days of forcing Hester into a No. 1 receiver role are gone. Now the Bears have a legitimate proven top guy in Brandon Marshall and the 6-foot-3, 218-pound Jeffery gives Jay Cutler another big target.

Earl Bennett, who got a new deal last season, is the glue guy, the classic third-down slot receiver, and Johnny Knox is out for the time being as he recovers from back surgery. The other receivers are fill-in guys. But what’s Hester’s role on offense now?

“This year, I’m going to be a playmaker, put it that way,” Hester said. “I’m going to make big plays. That’s what I’m here for, to make plays. and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Hester’s playmaking skills are beyond reproach. He’s the NFL career leader in combined return touchdowns and punt returns. But as a receiver, he’s never quite made the jump. Last season was a step back, though it wasn’t all his fault, given the ugly breakdown of the offense in the last six games.

Hester caught just 26 passes for 369 yards and one touchdown last season when he also battled chest and ankle injuries but didn't miss a game. After Cutler got injured against San Diego, he caught four passes in the team’s 1-5 finish, three coming in one game. It was his worst receiving year since 2007, when he first moved to the position.

While all the players often raved about Mike Martz’s schemes in public, Hester wasn’t shy about expressing his preference for the new offensive coordinator, the more relatable Mike Tice.

“i love Mike Tice,” he said. “He brings a lot of energy and excitement to the offense, not only as a player, but as a person. When you get a coach like that, that’s more sociable to the players, it makes you want to give more effort to a coach like that, that’s as energized as you are.”

While Jeffery has the size and skills to make an immediate impact, he is just a rookie. Marshall is the X-factor. He comes with big expectations and Hester expects commensurate results for the entire offense.

“It’s going to be a big help. Tremendous,” he said. “Brandon is a guy who teams are going to have to key in on, and it’s just going to open up a lot for other guys. And when guys start making plays and double coverage rolls on them, that’s when Brandon comes back and gets in that beast mode. With the offense we’re putting together, it’s going to be hard to just double-team and play cover two, because we got two great running backs that’s going to run it down their throats.”

Hester said he’s spent some time with Marshall. Hester, an avowed family man now, spoke of uniting the receivers spiritually, and he's already done that with Marshall.

“He’s been over my house, I’d say three or four times since he’s been here,” Hester said. “Just me and him. We go down to the basement and shoot pool. He’s more into (being) spiritual now. We talk about Jesus, the Bible and stuff. He’s changing his life a lot. I can honestly say that he’s a changed man from the past. Everyone makes mistakes, you know, but giving him a second chance, the things he’s doing right now, he’s really changing his life around.”

Bears fans will settle for just changing the offense. Marshall and Jeffery are a good start, but with Knox out, the Bears still need Hester to be a playmaker.


(espn.com)

Not to look too far ahead—there’s still an entire season left to play—but one point of concern that I have heard from Bears fans has to do with Devin Hester’s contract situation. (If it’s not one contract situation, it’s another, right?) Also of concern: his role on offense and special teams.

Let’s look at both . . .

Contract situation

No, Hester’s not looking for more money (at least not yet), but one quick look at his 2013 salary might be cause for concern. In 2013, Hester’s base salary will be $1,857,523, coupled with a $10,000,000 roster bonus. Yes, I said $10M. But that’s just at first glance.

The good news is that $10M bonus is “de-escalating.” Which means—in Hester’s case—it’s performance based. If he fails to live up to the performance goals, the bonus de-escalates.

When the contract was initially signed, the large bonus was contingent on Hester’s numbers at wide receiver being consistent with a No. 1. Don’t worry, the numbers aren’t even close. Exactly what those performance goals are, I don’t know, but you can bet they’re spelled out.

Given Hester’s salary and cap figure this season ($2,729,333), I’d guess (and keep in mind, this is only a guess), that his bonus in 2013 may de-escalate by as much as 90%. Meaning, that $10M now looks closer to $1M; putting Hester’s 2013 cap figure somewhere around $2.9M.

That could change drastically (always keep that in mind). But the point is that the Bears can probably live with his 2013 salary, although, Hester will be looking for extended paper next season.

Role on offense and special teams

When new GM Phil Emery brought in Pro Bowl kick returner Eric Weems, fans immediately speculated on Hester’s future. But Emery quickly squashed the idea that Weems was a Hester “replacement,” saying he was, instead, a Hester “supplement.”

“The Bears have a very strong tradition of having multiple returners and having more than one weapon as a punt and kick returner,” Emery said. In the wake of Johnny Knox’s career threatening injury, the Weems move had more to do with that than it did Hester. Weems can also play WR, and while he’s expected to, he won’t have a big role on offense.

But then the Bears added WR Devin Thomas to the mix, another strong return-man. When one plays connect-the-dots with the whole puzzle (new returners, high cap figure, Brandon Marshall compliment, etc.), it starts to look as if the Bears—yet again—intend to showcase Hester on offense . . .despite his underperformance at the position.

It’s even possible that, despite the extension they gave Earl Bennett last season, Hester could be their initial No. 2 in 2012. Bennett’s cap number this season is a full million dollars under Devin’s ($1,600,000), and while Hester is pulling double-duty, they’d like to pull the extra receiver value out of the receiver-esque contract they gave Hester in 2008.

For those who wonder what might be the best way to utilize Hester on offense, Matt Bowen of the National Football Post offered a great perspective on how the Bears could do just that this week.

But don’t fret, big offensive role or not, Hester will still handle duties as full-time punt returner. 

But wide receiver or not (so far it appears not), Hester is an incredible asset to the Chicago Bears. The mere threat imposed by his presence has helped the Bears win football games. So, in the spirit of that, and just for fun, here are some cool Hester stats I put together for you. And also, his complete return for touchdown list: 

Devin Hester has at least one return for touchdown against 12 of the existing 32 NFL teams (that’s 37.5%). More than a third of the League understands the Hester factor first-hand.
The Chicago Bears win, statistically, 76.5% of games in which Hester has a return for touchdown.
The Chicago Bears have won 17 total games in which Hester had a return for touchdown through four separate seasons (’06, ’07, ’10, and ’11). Broken down evenly, that’s 25% of their games each season.
The Chicago Bears have won four games as a direct result of a Devin Hester return for touchdown. Through every season in which he had scored one, that’s one win per season squarely on Hester’s shoulders.
No team has allowed more Hester returns for touchdowns than the Minnesota Vikings (4). There’s one division opponent who will never purposely kick to Hester again. They have two each against the Lions and Packers.
The only teams to have allowed more than one Hester return for touchdown outside the NFC North are the Denver Broncos (which both came in the same game in 2007, against the infamous Jay Cutler-Brandon Marshall duo) and the St. Louis Rams (which both came in the same game in 2006).


(chicagonow.com)

Devin Hester may be the best return man in NFL history, but that doesn’t mean that’s his primary role in Chicago.

The Chicago Tribune connects the dots with the addition of Eric Weems and Devin Thomas, two players with experience as kickoff returners, and notes that last year Johnny Knox averaged more yards per kickoff return than Hester, and says it all adds up to the Bears making Hester an integral part of the offense at wide receiver and cutting down on his kickoff returns.

“We have that versatility now,” Bears coach Lovie Smith said. “We added another good player into the [kickoff-return] mix in Devin Thomas.”

Chicago has pushed Hester as more of a receiver and less of a returner before, in 2009, when he had a career-high 57 catches and career lows in both kickoff returns (seven) and punt returns (24). Hester has always been a better punt returner than kickoff returner and will almost certainly remain the primary punt returner this year after leading the league with a 16.2-yard average last year.

But on kickoff returns it appears that the Bears are ready to phase him out. Knox is recovering from a serious back injury and may not play in 2012, but the presence of Weems and Thomas will allow Hester to sit kickoffs out.


(profootballtalk.com)

As the Chicago Tribune’s Vaughn McClure wrote today, the Bears could be looking to give WR Devin Hester a larger role in the offensive game plan. And that would mean limiting his duties as a kick returner (a possibility for Chicago with FA pickups Devin Thomas and Eric Weems).

I get it. Hester would still be the primary return man in the punt game, but when you add special teams talent in Thomas and Weems (on top of the lack of returns with the ball being kicked from the 35-yard line), the Bears can reduce his workload on kickoffs.

Sounds good and looks good in early April. Get Hester more involved in the offense.

However, from my perspective, if you want to see Hester produce in the passing game, then let him run the short to intermediate route tree inside of the numbers.

Here’s what you will see from Hester in a practice setting (or during individual period in camp): speed off the release, a burst out of his cuts and dynamic lateral ability in one-on-one sessions. He looks the part of a player you don’t want to match up with in the open field.

But that hasn’t translated to true production when he is aligned outside of the numbers. CBs can get their hands on Hester, ride him into the boundary and force him to widen his release.

An occasional deep ball (think fade or post), but not enough to make opposing defensive coordinators worry when they turn on the tape.

Fix that. That should be the goal of new offensive coordinator Mike Tice. Move Hester in his pre-snap alignment, use motion, bunch or stack looks and target him inside of the numbers—where he can use that lateral movement to win matchups.

Talk to any DB in the NFL and they will tell you that playing the nickel (or dime) role in sub packages is tough. It allows the WR a “two-way go” (inside or outside release) and the ability to play off your leverage on a basic option route.

GM Phil Emery made the right call to go get Brandon Marshall from Miami and the Bears might not be done adding talent at the WR position depending on the prospects they target in the upcoming draft.

Will Hester fit with Marshall? Of course, and he should see more on-on-one matchups because of it. But the real prodcution will come if the Bears utilize his skill set in the middle of the field.


(nationalfootballpost.com)

The addition of Eric Weems and Devin Thomas, two players with experience as kickoff returners, has the left the Chicago Bears with an interesting question: Should Devin Hester be relieved of all kickoff-return duties in 2012?

"We have that versatility now," Bears coach Lovie Smith said. "We added another good player into the (kick-return) mix in Devin Thomas."

The Bears had the luxury of limiting Hester’s kickoff returns during the 2009 season, when Johnny Knox and Danieal Manning combined for 60 returns. Hester had just seven kickoff returns that year as he caught a career-high 57 passes.

The Bears seem even more intent on making Hester an integral part of the offense at wide receiver -- even despite the addition of top target Brandon Marshall -- which is likely to encourage them to limit or totally eliminate Hester's work on kickoffs.

Last year, Hester returned 33 kickoffs for 723 yards, including one score. His 21.9-yard average ranked 24th in the league. Knox averaged 26.5 yards on 15 kickoff returns.

Hester has five career kickoff-return touchdowns.

Thomas, who played with the New York Giants last season, ranked 14th in the league with an average of 24.3 yards per kickoff return in 2011. Weems, a member of the Atlanta Falcons, finished 18th at 23.5 yards per return. The 5-foot-9, 195-pound Weems has a natural feel and great understanding of angles, which could lead to him being the primary kickoff returner.

Of course, the new rules allowing kickoffs from the 35-yard line instead of the 30 have affected kickoff returns dramatically. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the percentage of touchbacks on kickoffs increased from 16.4 percent in 2010 to 43.5 percent last season.

Still, it always helps to have explosive returners capable of setting up solid field position. The Bears had arguably the league’s best duo in Hester and Knox. With Knox’s status uncertain coming off spinal fusion surgery, Weems and Thomas (6-2, 221) could comprise the next tandem.

"This offseason, we’re still talking about the roles of different guys," Smith said. "First off, we want to get good players. Then we will put them in their perfect spots a little bit later."

Hester will continue to be the team’s primary punt returner. He led the league with an average of 16.2 yards per punt return last season despite posting a career-high 15 fair catches.  Hester also returned two punts for scores, pushing his all-time NFL record to 12 punt-return touchdowns. He has an NFL record of 17 total kick return touchdowns in 92 games.


(chicagotribune.com)

Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher joined representatives from every NFL team in New York Tuesday as Nike unveiled its Nike Elite 51 football uniforms for the 2012 season.

Nike is billing the line as “the next generation in superior lightweight performance delivering a fully integrated system of dress for athletes at the highest level.” Beginning this season, Nike is taking over from Reebok as the supplier of NFL team uniforms and sideline apparel.

The Bears jerseys feature only subtle changes, with the numbers moving from the sleeve to the shoulder pad and a larger version of the “GSH” initials honoring legendary founder George Stanley Halas.

“The look is kind of similar; they didn’t change too much,” said Bears receiver/return specialist Devin Hester. “It seems like it’ll fit a little tighter, a little more to your body type. I like the pants. It seems like they’re thinner and will allow you to be more mobile.”

Nike boasts that “new innovations include integrating Flywire technology into the neckline to reduce weight and provide a lockdown fit over pads, increasing sleeve articulation for better range of motion, and integrating new four-way stretch fabrication to provide a streamlined shrink-wrap fit.”

“The new uniform is a lot tighter,” said Bears equipment manager Tony Medlin. “It moves more with the body. It’s a lot lighter fabric. It performs better. Some guys have worn this type of uniform in college and they liked the way it performed. It feels like it makes them much faster mainly because of the way that the fabric moves with the body.”


(chicagobears.com)

Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith indicated the team likely will increase WR Devin Hester's role in the offense this season because he has the ability to make a big play every time he has the ball.

Huddle Up:  We've heard this before, but with Johnny Knox's health and availability a concern the Bears truly need a field-stretching complement to Brandon Marshall. Hester could offer that weapon without dramatically reducing his participation in the return game.


(thehuddle.com)

When the Bears signed Pro Bowl special teamer Eric Weems, some speculated that perennial Pro Bowl return specialist Devin Hester could be in trouble.

That's absurd.

The Bears value special teams as much as any other team, and they saw an opportunity to add a player who is versatile. Besides, new general manager Phil Emery knew Weems well, having served as the college scouting director in Atlanta, when the Falcons added him as an undrafted free agent out of Bethune-Cookman.

Weems can be a gunner, he can return punts and kickoffs. He can also serve as a backup slot receiver.

So how will this affect Hester?

In reality, the Bears didn't get as much out of their kickoff return unit as they are accustomed to. Johnny Knox was solid, but Hester mostly handled the role and had modest results. A drop off from what Danieal Manning had done before leaving via free agency.

With Johnny Knox's status still unclear, Weems provides another proven, capable player, who can ease the burden on Hester. The Bears will probably give Hester a chance to get snaps at receiver and -- ever mindful of his snap count -- they'll have him focus on punt returns and perhaps have Weems be the primary kickoff returner.

Weems didn't excel last season, but he averaged 27 1/2 yards per kickoff in 2010, when he also returned a kickoff 102 yards for a touchdown. That season, he had five returns of 40 or more yards.

There was a mix-up last week, because of a escalator Hester had in his contract. But that $10 million escalator was only triggered IF he reached certain marks as a receiver. He obviously did not.

Hester was brilliant for most of last season, but he staggered to the finish because of a few injuries. There's no reason to think he won't be a difference maker in 2012, which is why Hester will remain in a Bears jersey.


(suntimes.com)

WR Devin Hester is due a $1.646 million salary and $250,000 roster bonus and likely will be a fourth receiver and return man. Is his position worth this? With two years left on his deal, saving around $650,000 under the cap wouldn't be worth the lynch mob that would form outside Halas Hall if he were cut. He is good trade bait, though.



(cbssports.com)

P Tim Masthay on whether the punt team’s game plan would change Sunday if dangerous Bears PR Devin Hester (ankle) doesn’t play: “No, absolutely not. As far as punting goes, we’re not preparing for one particular returner. We’re preparing for the entire punt return unit and keying on the things they do as a whole.”


(cbssports.com)

Green Bay -- They meet again. Last year, Tim Masthay neutralized Chicago Bears' returner extraordinare Devin Hester in the regular-season finale and NFC Championship. Masthay established favorable field position in two must wins. Now, for the Bears to have a chance at an upset on Christmas Day, Hester will likely have to play a big role. Chicago is decimated by injuries on offense and may start journeyman Josh McCown.

Masthay, fresh off a 71-yard punt at Kansas City, squares off against the man leading the NFL in punt-return average (18.5).

"We’ve had pretty solid production but Devin Hester’s a remarkable returner," special teams coach Shawn Slocum said. "We’ll have our hands full. We’ve got a lot of experience playing him. Let’s do it."

A year ago, Masthay's ability to knife punts through the cold and wind was critical. After Hester's 62-yard punt return for a score helped Chicago edge Green Bay in the teams' first meeting a year ago, he was shut down in the two rematches.

Masthay pinned nine of his 16 punts inside the 20. In the Week 17 win that got Green Bay into the playoffs, Masthay had punts downed at the Bears' 3- and 2-yard line. And in the NFC title game, Hester mustered only 5.3 yards per return. His 58-yarder forced Chicago to start at its own 29-yard line with 3:07 to go, Green Bay clinging to a one-score lead. The Packers eventually held on and reached the Super Bowl.

Of course, with all this attention toward Hester, the Bears may do this again. A trick play -- nullified by a holding call -- completely took the Packers off guard earlier this season.

Overall, Slocum says he's not concerned about the risks in kicking away from Hester. Be it trick plays or a low net. With the Bears' offense struggling mightily to score points -- they have two touchdowns the last three games -- Hester remains their one wild card. Teams continue to try to kick away from him, though he's still done damage on his 24 punt returns this season.

"I’m more concerned with wins or losses over net punt," Slocum said. "One of the formulas for Chicago to be successful is having impact returns from Devin Hester. We’ve got to do a good job managing that part of the game."

Masthay has the 29th most punts in the league. Still, this will be a familiar scene for him -- facing the Bears in December at Lambeau Field. With home-field advantage on the line, he'll probably be a factor again. At Kansas City, three of Masthay's five punts landed inside the 20.

"I thought he was outstanding, His production was huge: 71-yard punt, downed, no return opportunity, kicked it over the returner’s head," Slocum said. "He kicked well under pressure on that first punt that they had the penalty on; outstanding punt, 51 yards, out of bounds.

"He’s doing the same thing. He’s a very diligent worker. I think his technique is such that it allows him to punt in bad weather. In terms of wind, he normally manages it pretty well."


(jsonline.com)

CHICAGO -- Chicago Bears return man Devin Hester said Tuesday he is hurting emotionally as well as physically in dealing with the limitations of a sprained ankle he first injured six weeks ago and tweaked again last week.

"It's very hard not being able to be yourself," said the Bears receiver and record-setting return specialist. "That's the hardest part."

Hester, appearing Tuesday night with teammate Earl Bennett and Green Bay Packers receiver Jordy Nelson and Ryan Grant at a Nike-sponsored touch football event featuring more than 100 local high school athletes at Soldier Field, has seen his play diminish as of late.

Since hurting his ankle against the Eagles on Nov. 7, he has had just four receptions for 47 yards, not catching a pass in four games. In the Bears loss to Seattle on Sunday, Bennett took over returning punts in the third quarter.

Hester said the injury, along with assorted bumps and bruises, have affected his entire game, including his judgment.

"Because you can't give it that burst like you want to," he said. "Any fast guy, if you have a sprained ankle, it just eliminates what you can do. It's like a quarterback with two broken fingers ...

"It shows a little bit, let's put it that way, it shows a little bit. I don't feel like myself but at the same time this is the NFL and you have to fight through things like that."

Hester said he never considered not playing against the Seahawks or Sunday in Green Bay.

"If I can walk, I'm going to go, let's put it that way," he said. "I might not be able to run but if I can walk, I can go out and at least try my best."


(espn.com)

Devin Hester got to witness "Tebow Mania" up close and personal on Sunday and the Bears wide receiver/kick returner doesn't seem to be impressed.

During Monday's edition of "The Dan Patrick Show", Hester was asked if Tim Tebow is a good quarterback.

After a long pause Hester said,"He's coming along."

The Bears were able to keep Tebow in check for the first three quarters of Sunday's loss before the Broncos QB went 18 for 24 for 191 yards and a touchdown in the fourth quarter and overtime.

Hester, who fair-caught five punts during the loss, told the show that he went up to Broncos punter Britton Colquitt before the game and told him to punt to him.

"You know you're leading the Pro Bowl vote," Hester told Colquitt. "If you do all these rugby short kicks, it's going to drop your average."

Does Hester think he is a Hall of Famer right now?

"I think so," said Hester. "Whenever you break records at your position and then you become the greatest of all time and with that said me having the most kickoff and punt returns."



(csnchicago.com)

Special teams coordinator Dave Toub doesn't have to be reminded about what happened in 2007 when the Bears faced the Broncos.

Devin Hester returned a punt 75 yards for a score in the third quarter and then the Broncos had the audacity to kick to him again. He responded with an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the same quarter. The Bears eventually won 37-34 in overtime.

It might not be as easy for Hester this time around.

"Totally different now,'' Toub said of the Broncos. "They're ranked fourth in special teams.''

Broncos veteran Champ Bailey told the Denver Post this week he wouldn't kick to Hester "in a million years.''

Toub brushed off Bailey's comment.

"It doesn't mean anything,'' Toub said.

Hester leads the NFL in punt return average at 18.5 yards.



(chicagotribune.com)

Cornerback Champ Bailey was one of the few Broncos on the sideline to witness what the Bears' über-returner

Devin Hester did the last time he faced Denver.

In 2007, Hester returned a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns in the same quarter in what eventually turned into an overtime loss for the Broncos. The defeat was part of a 2-4 limp down the stretch that year as the Broncos finished 7-9 and out of the playoffs.

Asked Thursday whether he — had he the power — would kick to Hester, Bailey said: "Not in a million years. I've been around coaches that have. I know we did the last time we played them. I think we all know how that went."

Assistant special-teams coach Keith Burns was playing for the Broncos in that 2007 game, so he understands the potential impact if the coverage team doesn't tie up all its loose ends.

Hester this season has returned two punts and one kickoff for touchdowns.

"We've talked about it a little bit," Bailey said. "We know what type of player he is. Don't take no chances with the guy; he's the best in the game. The best ever in my book."

(denverpost.com)

Jay Cutler's broken thumb has left the Chicago Bears struggling on offense, but Devin Hester says it would be a "waste of time" to turn to Donovan McNabb as the solution.

The wide receiver, interviewed on ESPN Radio's Mike and Mike today, doubted that McNabb would be able to adjust to the schemes of offensive coordinator Mike Martz in time to make a difference for the 7-5 Bears.

"Whatever we are doing is not working and we need to fix it fast before it gets too late," Hester acknowledged of Chicago's 0-2 slide without Cutler.

But he added that: "It's going to be tough right now to add a quarterback that hasn't played in a Mike Martz offense. It's one of the more difficult offenses to run. So to get a quarterback that hasn't been in that offense, right now it's going to be a waste of time. I guess we'll stick with the guys we have right now and hope we get better with those guys."

Caleb Hanie gave up three interceptions yesterday and was sacked seven times as Chicago jeopardized its wild-card hopes with a 10-3 loss to Kansas City at home.

McNabb has cleared waivers, and is free to sign with any NFL team.


(usatoday.com)

Chicago Bears star Devin Hester’s famous on-field moves couldn’t save him from a cheap shot when he ran into Daniel C. Rago in a Des Plaines casino.

The 52-year-old Rago — described by his attorney as a “huge Devin Hester fan” — pleaded guilty to battery Thursday for slapping Hester across the back of his head on Oct. 14.

Rago didn’t recognize the Bears wideout and kick returner at the Rivers Casino, but confronted him because he mistakenly thought Hester had cut in front of other people in a cashier’s line, Rago’s attorney said.

“He’s a huge Bears fan and a huge Devin Hester fan. He feels very bad about what happened,” attorney Frank Kostouros said of the Mount Prospect man.

After pleading guilty to the misdemeanor offense, Rago was sentenced to serve one year of conditional discharge — a form of probation — and also was fined $315 and ordered to perform 80 hours of community service work.

Cook County Judge Marguerite Quinn also ordered Rago to undergo an anger management evaluation.

Prosecutor Kimberly Przekota said Rago smacked Hester across the head and called him a “moron” in a clash she described as “insulting and unprovoked.”

Hester didn’t retaliate after the run-in, except to tell Rago not to touch him again, Przekota said.

Rago declined to comment after his brief court hearing, but his attorney called the 10:30 p.m. altercation “a complete misunderstanding.”

Rago thought Hester had jumped the cashier’s line when he in fact had been moved into a VIP line, prompting another man to step ahead of several people already waiting, Kostouros said.

“He’s just a suburban sports fan who was in the wrong place at the wrong time and he did something stupid,” Kostouros said, describing Rago as “a very good guy.”

Rago, who is married with four children and works as a salesman, faced a maximum sentence of a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.

At Bears practice in Lake Forest Thursday afternoon, Hester declined comment on Rago’s plea and sentencing.

Earlier, Hester was in the Skokie courthouse to discuss the case with prosecutors, but he wasn’t in the courtroom for Rago’s plea.

If Rago had recognized Hester in the casino, there would have been no trouble, Kostouros insisted.

“He said he probably would have hugged Devin if he’d recognized him,” Kostouros said. “He’s a big fan.”


(suntimes.com)

Receiver/returner Devin Hester was held out of practice Thursday with leg soreness but is expected to be ready Sunday... Cornerback D.J. Moore sat out again with his injured ankle and “is getting better,” Lovie Smith said, “but still not looking good for this week.”


Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(csnchicago.com)

The last time Shane Lechler faced Devin Hester, he punted it deep and dared Hester to do anything about it.

Lechler, four years older and presumably wiser since the last time the Raiders played the Chicago Bears, doesn't expect a reckless approach Sunday against the most prolific return specialist in NFL history.

Not when both teams are legitimate playoff contenders and the Bears come to town with one of the top defenses in the NFL and a new quarterback in Caleb Hanie, who replaces the injured Jay Cutler.

"It's not the same attitude right now," Lechler said. "That guy's too dangerous. With them getting a new quarterback in there, (Hester) is going to be the big-play guy.

"I'm not sure yet what we're going to do, but I'm going to try to at least make him run sideways early, and we'll go from there."

When the Bears came to town on Nov. 11, 2007, there wasn't much at stake. Former coach Lane Kiffin said during the week the Raiders weren't afraid of Hester and would take no special precautions on kickoffs and punts.

By game's end, Hester had a 2.3-yard average on six punt returns and 17 yards on two kick returns. (He had a 64-yard punt return called back on a holding penalty).

It served as a moral victory after the Raiders' 17-6 loss en route to a 4-12 season.

Hester, in his sixth season, leads the NFL with an average punt return of 21.2 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to a 22.9-yard average on kickoff returns and another score. His 17 career touchdowns are an NFL record for kick and punt returns -- and that doesn't include a 108-yard return of a missed field goal attempt in 2008.

Hester also has 22 catches for 320 yards and a touchdown as a wide receiver this season.

"This guy can change games," Raiders coach Hue Jackson said. "I can't tell you exactly what the game plan is, but we're going to have a plan, because this guy is as good as there is in football. There are going to be times when you're going to have to kick it to him, there are going to be times when you're not going to kick it to him."

Raiders linebacker and special teams player Quentin Groves credited Hester's blocking and the Bears punt return unit as a whole. Lechler, who has punted to a number of excellent return men over the years, said Hester sees things develop faster than most return specialists.

"He's got top-notch vision," Lechler said. "He sees cuts way down the field. He sets up blocks very well, probably one of the better guys that sets up blocks across the league."

Hester has been so consistent that the question arises as to why more teams simply don't punt the ball out of bounds. Bears coach Lovie Smith believes that approach sends a bad message.

"It's hard to go into your meetings and tell your punt team that, 'Hey, guys, we don't think you're good enough, so we're going to kick it out bounds because we don't think you can tackle one guy down on the other end," Smith told Bay Area reporters by conference call.

That's certainly the mindset of safety Mike Mitchell, who gave Hester his due as being a premier punt return specialist but wasn't shy about believing Oakland can shut him down.

"We don't have to play him. He has to worry more about 11 guys trying to take his head off than we do about him (taking one to the house)," Mitchell said. "That's going to be our mentality for every returner that we play."

Mitchell got even more colorful a moment later, saying, "We just have to get down field and outrun their protection team and make tackles. After he gets machine-gunned a couple of times, he's not going to be too quick to return punts."

Groves said it will be important for the first players who reach Hester to make a play.

"We have to get guys in his face, because if you see him on film, he makes one or two guys miss and then he's out of the gates," Groves said.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(mercurynews.com)

Chicago Bears kick returner/receiver Devin Hester is 29. So it's reasonable to assume the actual debate on his candidacy for the Pro Football Hall of Fame is at least 10 years -- and probably a few more touchdown returns -- away. Already, however, Hester's unique status has conjured discussion about his place in history and whether he'll ultimately be recognized as one of the best players of this era.

Here are the facts:

• Less than six years into his career, Hester has obliterated the NFL record for career kick returns for touchdowns. He has 17 in his 85-game career, most recently an 82-yard punt return last Sunday against the Detroit Lions, plus one more in the playoffs. It took Brian Mitchell 223 games to finish with 13, the previous record.

• When you add in his return of a missed field goal in 2006, Hester is one return away from tying Deion Sanders' NFL record of 19 touchdown returns of any kind. Sanders played in 188 games before retiring.

• The Hall of Fame has never inducted a player based on his impact as a returner. In fact, there is only one "pure" special-teams player in the Hall: Place-kicker Jan Stenerud.

Hester's record-breaking production, not to mention his pace, has spurred passionate discussion among his supporters. Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher provided a particularly direct assessment this week during an interview with ESPN 1000.

"He's the greatest of all time at what he does," Urlacher said. "And in my opinion, when you're the greatest of all time at your position, you should be in the Hall of Fame. He is a first-ballot Hall of Famer in my opinion. He's going to have 30-something touchdown returns if people keep kicking to him. It's a no-brainer for me. I just don't see how people can not agree with that."

From my amateur vantage point, the best way to consider Hester as a potential Hall of Fame candidate is to expand the analysis of his impact. It's going to be difficult for voters to elect a player based solely on "30-something" touchdown returns over the course of a decade, if that's indeed what Hester finishes his career with.

The reality is that punt and kickoff returns make up less than 10 percent of the total plays in an average game; the figures were about 12 of 138 plays in 2010. That's essentially the definition of a specialist who is hard-pressed to make a broad-based impact on games when he is typically exposed to so few opportunities. That's probably why neither Mitchell nor Dante Hall (12 return touchdowns) nor Eric Metcalf (12) have received serious consideration as a Hall of Fame candidate.

But Urlacher made an important point this week: "He changes every football game he's in."

How? By impacting the Bears' field position. Take a look at the chart accompanying this post, which we present after some dutiful research by Mike Corbo of the Bears' communications office.

The Bears have had the NFL's best field position, based on the start of their average drive, in three of Hester's five full seasons. They ranked No. 3 in the other two.

Multiple factors contributed to that success, including their Bears' strong defense of this era. And it's worth noting that they had top-10 field position in four of the five seasons preceding Hester's arrival. But it would be foolish to ignore the role of Hester's returns and also of kicks intentionally shortened or otherwise diverted by opponents to keep the ball away of him.

There are all kinds of politics, waiting games and backlogs involved in election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Given the difficulty that players like Kevin Greene (160 career sacks) and Cris Carter (1,101 receptions) have had getting attention, it's hard to imagine that a couple-dozen touchdown returns alone would put Hester on track for induction.

But when you consider him a player that impacts field position all game long, as Hester appears to have done for large portions of his career, then you're moving the conversation away from a specialist and towards the kind of criteria voters are looking for. If you're a proponent of Hester's burgeoning candidacy, that's the direction you need to head.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(espn.com)

Brian Mitchell, the most prolific return specialist in NFL history, marvels at the magical moves of Devin Hester.

“Every time I see him, it’s like, ‘Damn,’ ” Mitchell told the Sun-Times. “He’s jaw-dropping.”

On Dec. 20, 2010, in Minneapolis, Hester passed Mitchell for most combined kick return touchdowns with his 14th against the Minnesota Vikings on “Monday Night Football.” This season, Hester has tacked on three more, prompting a popular question: Does he belong in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Many believe Mitchell has a strong case, and the three-time All-Pro selection says he and other return specialists, such as Mel Gray and Billy “White Shoes” Johnson, deserve a football player’s greatest individual honor.

But Hester rises above that distinguished pack.

“Ultimately, when he gets the ball in his hands, he’s much better than I was,” said Mitchell, who still owns several NFL records, including most combined kickoff and punt return yards with 19,013. “When you look at Deion [Sanders] and Devin and Gale Sayers and Mel Gray and myself, all of us had a different style.

“But at this point, he is the guy. He’s done it, and he’s shown it.”

Those who determine that aren’t convinced — not yet, anyway.

Of the current 44 Hall of Fame voters, 26 of them responded and one declined an interview request from the Sun-Times about Hester. Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain Dealer was the only voter reached by the Sun-Times to say he doesn’t believe specialists should be in the Hall of Fame.

“If we recognize a player solely based on his specialty, then where do we draw the line? The best long-snapper of all time? The best coverage linebacker? The best short-yardage blocker?” Grossi said in an e-mail. “I would not elect Hester based exclusively on his returns record. He’s a spectacular touchdown-maker in that role, but I just think a Hall of Famer needs to be a complete football player.”

The remainder of the voters were open-minded to players whose merits were primarily as a specialist, even though Jan Stenerud is the only one in the Hall of Fame. Several others — including Lou Groza, former Bears running back Gale Sayers and perennial All-Pro cornerback Deion Sanders — distinguished themselves at offensive and defensive positions, as well as on special teams.

But ESPN NFL analyst John Clayton represented the opinion of many of his peers.

“It’s hard for just a special teams player to make it because they have to beat out every-down players who may have six or seven trips to the Pro Bowl,” Clayton said in an e-mail. “The current backlog would make it tougher.”

Rick Gosselin of the Dallas Morning News, respected throughout the NFL for his annual special-teams rankings, suggested that Hester may need at least 20 return touchdowns to ensure his induction.

“If you’re a specialist,” Gosselin said, “you have to put numbers that are out of the ballpark.”

Several voters lamented that Ray Guy, a six-time All-Pro who was the only punter ever taken in the first round, hasn’t been immortalized yet. Others even mentioned Mitchell and former Northwestern receiver and special teams ace Steve Tasker as worthy Hall of Fame specialists.

Len Pasquarelli of the Sports Xchange said the voters will be challenged next year on the topic, because he will be “actively supporting” kicker Morten Andersen, the NFL’s all-time leading scorer.

“I hope the selectors keep an open mind about specialists,” Pasquarelli said in an e-mail.

As for whether Hester has already done enough to get into the Hall of Fame, nearly all the voters insisted they would not decide until his career is over.

“One of the best parts of Hall of Fame deliberation is the fact that you have to wait until the end of a man’s career, and then wait an five additional years,” Sports Illustrated senior writer Peter King said. “Then, you can let his accomplishments sink in and consider them without emotion.”

Hester, though, has already earned two votes, from Bob Glauber of Newsday and Gary Myers of the New York Daily News.

“I would most likely vote in favor of putting Hester into the Hall of Fame,” Glauber of Newsday said in an e-mail. “The idea is to select transcendent players, and Hester is the best of all-time in his role.”

Bob Gretz, who is Kansas City’s representative, and Nick Canepa of the San Diego Union-Tribune also don’t need much convincing, although both stopped short of committing a vote to him.

“It would depend who’s on the ballot when he comes up,” Canepa said. “But, yes, I definitely would consider him and more than likely vote for him. He’s unique in the history of football.”

After practicing Thursday, Hester said he — like many players — dreamed of being in the Hall.

“Every NFL player, at the end of their career, would hope to get an opportunity to be in the Hall of Fame,” he said. “That would be the ultimate icing on the cake.”

Hester suggested that his enshrinement should be a given.

“If you get a guy — in the situation that I’m in — it would be unfair for him to not make the Hall of Fame, to go out and break every record that has to do with returns,” Hester said. “He should be in the Hall of Fame.”

The 29-year-old, though, is far from finished.

“Our special-teams unit wants to add to our legacy,” Hester said.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(suntimes.com)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Devin Hester wasn't feeling good last Sunday afternoon before the Lions game, but he didn't let an ankle injury and an illness stop him.

Instead of sitting out though, Hester managed to return another punt for a touchdown and make a huge difference in the game -- again. In the process, he also reminded some Chicagoans of the performances of Michael Jordan and Walter Payton as they battled through illness at various points during their careers.

"That's what a lot of people were talking about," Hester said after Wednesday's practice, when asked about Jordan's famous "flu game" in the NBA Finals. "Michael Jordan and Walter Payton. They played [while] being sick It wasn't a thought in the back of my mind."

Hester, who has been the subject of a lot of Hall of Fame consideration and debate over the past few weeks, is just happy to have his name being mentioned with the other greats.

"It's an honor," he said of being mentioned with Jordan and Payton. "Those guys are elite players. I'm just working my way to get mentioned in that category."

So how sick was Hester before Sunday's game?

"Just been feeling sick all week," he said. "Had a fever of over 103. My tonsils were swollen. I had strep throat. I'm just feeling bad. I've been taking some antibiotics to try and get through it."

Hester admitted that he was a little calmer than usual before the game because of the illness he was dealing with.

"When you're sick, you're in a relaxing mode," he said. "You're really just living life up. Living it up. I wasn't stressed out about anything, I was just out there being regular."

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(espn.com)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — There's at least one person who doesn't think kicking to Devin Hester is a bad idea — him.

The Chicago Bears' superstar return specialist says he's not surprised when teams kick to him even though he continues to rewrite the record book.
He says the odds still don't favor him, and changing a game plan for one player is "too much" for a special teams unit no matter how dominant he is.

The league's all-time leader in combined special teams return touchdowns (17; 12 on punts, 5 on kickoffs) was particularly dangerous last week as the Bears pounded Detroit. He returned a punt 82 yards for a TD despite strep throat, swollen tonsils, high fever and a sprained ankle.

San Diego coach Norv Turner said he plans to proceed with caution Sunday.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(desertnews.com)

Devin Hester did it again in Week 10, returning a punt for a touchdown for the 12th time in his career. Throw in his five kick return TDs and another touchdown off a missed field goal and it begs the question: Is Hester a Hall of Famer?

Jeff Darlington NFL.com
He's not there yet, but he'll get there
The best all-time hitters in baseball still succeed even when pitchers stop throwing to them. The best wide receivers in football still thrive even when double covered. More attention results in equal or greater success. That's why, in the case of Devin Hester, I believe we need to see a greater body of work to say conclusively he belongs in the Hall of Fame.

Of course, Hester faces a more difficult crutch than, say, a wide receiver in double coverage, since a ball punted out of bounds is impossible to return. Heck, he's had rules established to limit him.

But if he is going to make it into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on special team merits alone, his success needs to be sustainable for longer than six seasons. Seven seasons? Eight? I just think we'll all know when we know. With all of that said, given his resurgence in 2011, he's making a very strong case that he'll get there.

Bucky Brooks NFL.com
First ballot, no questions asked
Devin Hester should be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when he is eligible. He is the most dominant returner in NFL history, which warrants his spot in Canton. Although some will attempt to diminish his accomplishments because of the lack of respect for the kicking game, his overall impact on the game despite receiving minimal touches should make up for his marginal impact as a position player. If the Hall of Fame is for the most dominant players in the game, I don't know how you could leave Hester off the list.

Steve Wyche NFL.com
Hester's effect on a game is obvious
This is so hard because putting in someone who mainly is a special teams player is like putting a middle reliever in the Baseball Hall of Fame. To trump that argument, Hester's effect on a game is obvious. Teams have to plan for him. Kick away from him or be prepared to get burned. He's as scary as any skill player in the game.

I'd have to say he belongs in Canton because nobody else has come close to what he consistently does. Guys will flash for a season or two, but Hester makes impact returns seemingly every other time he touches the ball.

Dave Dameshek NFL.com
Silly to suggest Hester doesn't belong
It's silly to suggest Hester doesn't belong in the Hall of Fame. It'd be like keeping the all-time greatest closer out of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Dante Hall, Deion Sanders, Rod Woodson, Louis Lipps, White Shoes Johnson, Ricky Upchurch and Brian Mitchell all take a backseat to Hester, the best returner in the history of the game. If the argument is that he's "only" a great returner, then why don't we just go ahead and eliminate the kicking phase of the game? All those game-changing, soul-crushing TDs he's scored count the same as other touchdowns, right?

Charles Davis NFL Network
Hester meets Hall of Fame criteria To me, Hall of Famers are players who affect how the game will be played every time they step onto the field. Hall of Famers make opponents change their way of doing things. By these definitions (admittedly mine), Devin Hester is a Hall of Fame player. If I had a vote, I would cast it for Devin Hester, Kick Returner, Chicago Bears. No discussion necessary.

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(nfl.com)

So much for Devin Hester being sick: The Chicago Bears kick returner exited Sunday's win over the Detroit Lions early due to an illness, but he accomplished enough before leaving to be named the NFC's Special Teams Player of the Week.

Hester has won three Player of the Week awards this season and 12 in his career, which puts him in a tie for 11th for most awards won since 1984 (Peyton Manning leads with 21).

Hester had an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown and compiled 122 punt return yards on three returns. And he entered the game under the weather and nursing an ankle injury.

Hester’s touchdown was the 17th kick return score of his career, extending an NFL record. The touchdown was the 18th return touchdown (12 punt, five kickoff, one missed field goal) of his career, second most in NFL history surpassing Hall of Famer Rod Woodson (17), trailing Hall of Famer Deion Sanders (19). Hester has reached the mark in 85 career games played while Woodson played in 238 and Sanders 188.

It was Hester's 12th Special Teams Player of the Week award and third of the season.

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(chicagotribune.com)

Devin Hester has had several amazing performances in his six-year career with the Bears. He had touchdown returns in the Super Bowl, against the Packers, on primetime television, and in the moments when the Bears needed them most. But Sunday's 122-yard performance might be the most impressive because it puts him in the pantheon of other Chicago greats who have performed despite illness or injury.

During the Blackhawks Stanley Cup run, Duncan Keith lost seven teeth in game four of the Western Conference Final. He played through the pain to help the Blackhawks sweep the Sharks and eventually beat the Flyers to win the Stanley Cup. With the grueling schedule of the playoffs, he didn't have time to get his mouth fixed until after the season was over. Seeing Keith raise the Cup was a bit more touching when his gummy smile appeared behind the gleaming silver of the cup.

The Bulls were tied at two with the Jazz in the 1997 NBA Finals. Playing in Salt Lake City, Karl Malone and John Stockton had a raucous crowd behind them. To make matters worse, Michael Jordan woke up the day before the game with a stomach virus. He was vomiting, nauseated and sweating profusely. He got out of bed just three hours before tip-off, dropped 38 points on Utah, then collapsed in Scottie Pippen's arms for the memorable image from the Bulls fifth championship.

Walter Payton missed just one game in his 13-year career with the Bears, and he wasn't going to let the flu keep him out of a game against NFC Central foe Minnesota on Nov. 20, 1977. Playing on a rainy, cold November day that makes most people want to stay in bed, Payton pulled out the best performance of his life. He ran for 275 yards and scored the only touchdown in a 10-7 win over the Vikings.

And then there was Hester on Sunday. Though he had battled the flu and an ankle injury all week, the Bears needed a win over the Lions to keep hope alive in a tight race for a playoff spot. He did exactly what Chicago needed him to do: Ignore the flu, ignore the injury, and run back a punt return 82 yards for a touchdown that sparked a dominating win by the Bears.

Chicagoans like to pride ourselves as the City of Big Shoulders, the kind of people who show up, do our job and make no excuses. Cold? Rain? Flu? CTA delays? Epic blizzard? That's nice. Get to work. It's no wonder, then, that our favorite athletes are the ones who exemplify that same excuses-be-damned work ethic.

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(nbcchicago.com)

Devin Hester didn't allow an ankle injury or an illness that had kept him out of practice all week stop him from producing another electrifying play Sunday at Soldier Field.

The All-Pro return specialist brought back a punt 82 yards for a touchdown early in the second quarter, extending the Bears' lead to 20-0 en route to a 37-13 romp over the Lions.

"It gave us a big lift," said receiver Earl Bennett. "We preach a lot about special teams. Devin came out and gave us all he had with a sore ankle."

Hester's touchdown came after he circled back to catch Robert Malone's 60-yard punt over his shoulder. Hester dropped the ball, picked it up, stutter-stepped as a few tacklers approached and then dashed to his left, picking up blocks by Dom DeCicco, Craig Steltz and Nick Roach.

Hester then raced around Malone, tiptoeing along the sideline before cutting back and breaking a tackle attempt by linebacker Justin Durant at the 9.

Malone, who had just signed with the Lions this week to replace the injured Ryan Donahue, apparently wasn't trying to punt the ball to Hester.

"We tried to sideline that ball," said Detroit coach Jim Schwartz. "But have you ever played golf? You try hitting the fairway, don't you? Goes in the woods. You're going to make par on the 18th hole to win a major championship and yet you put it in the woods. It doesn't always go where you want."

With the touchdown, Hester extended two of his NFL records; he now has 17 combined kick return TDs and 14 punt return scores. He also became the top punt-returner in league history with a 12.96-yard average, surpassing Bears Hall of Famer George McAfee (12.78).

Hester exited the game in the second quarter with the illness that had bothered him during the week.

"He was a little under the weather," said coach Lovie Smith. "When you have a long return like that, that didn't help the case any either. But he'll come back ready to go."

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(chicagobears.com)

The Jumbotrons installed as part of the Soldier Field makeover are becoming more than just visual aids for fans.

Credit stadium AV operators with having a sense of video “trash talking,” replaying the Devin Hester punt return for a touchdown during a late timeout, much to obvious irritation of Detroit Lions players waiting to resume play.

And Hester, by that time out of the game with some illness, may be the one benefiting most from the video screens situated at both ends of Soldier Field. While the poor Lions had to sit through a (for them) low-light moment, Hester not only enjoys the replays, but also makes use of the screens during his returns.

Check out Hester’s comments in an NFL Network interview, in which he says, "Once I get past the 50, my eyes go up to that Jumbotron. I'm watching to see who is chasing me and how far they are from me," Hester says.

And one more thing about Hester...

Bob Costas devoted his halftime essay on NBC’s broadcast of the Sunday night New England-NY Jets game to Hester, specifically adding his voice to those advocating Hester’s eventual inclusion into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bob notes that right now, kicker Jan Stenurud (Kansas City, Minnesota) is the only pure special-teamer in the Hall. Ray Guy has never had the support to become the first punter-only inducted.

When Hester’s eligibility occurs in the years after his retirement, the debate won’t involve his receiver skills or accomplishments (although those will help, just as being even a part-time position player will for the first designated hitter to make it from Major League Baseball.

“He'd make it for stuff like this,” Costas says over a video of a Hester kick return. “And when somebody's the best the game has ever seen at what they do, really, how can you keep him out?”

Answer: You can’t. One of the criteria for enshrinement is whether you were a dominant player in your era at your position or for the game. Hester dominant? Just ask any special-teams coach/coordinator who has schemed, usually unsuccessfully, to stop Hester.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(csnchicago.com)

CHICAGO -- Devin Hester refused to speak with reporters on his way out of the Bears locker room, but his teammates had plenty to say about the return man's effort in the 37-13 win over the Lions.

"That dude is a monster man, he's like the [Michael] Jordan of football," Bears defensive tackle Anthony Adams said.

"That guy is amazing," receiver Earl Bennett added. "It doesn't get any better when it comes to the return game. He's one of those guys that can take it to the house at any time. He came out here and gave us everything he had on that sore ankle."

The Bears listed Hester as questionable on the official injury report heading into Sunday, but the only thing questionable was Detroit's decision to kick to football to the NFL's all-time leader in returns for touchdowns. Hester returned three punts for 122 yards, including an 82-yard touchdown that put the Bears up 20-0 in the second quarter.

“Devin Hester missed all of last week, a little under the weather also, along with an ankle injury," Bears head coach Lovie Smith said. "We felt like he could go. I’ve had a great seat to watch every return he’s had and he’s had a lot of great ones. Gutsy effort by him tonight. Special teams, I thought played well throughout."

Hester had to leave the game with just under 4:00 remaining in the first half, but it expected to be available when the Bears host San Diego next weekend.

“Again, he was a little under the weather," Smith said."He didn’t get a chance to practice a lot last week. I think the combination of all that, then early, when you have a long return, that didn’t help the case any either. He’ll come back ready to go.”

This marked Hester's 12th career punt return touchdown and 17th career kick return touchdown. Coupled with his 108-yard missed field goal return versus the Giants in 2006, Hester now has 18 return touchdowns in his career, one behind Hall of Famer Deion Sanders who accomplished the feat in 188 career games.

Hester had played in just 85 games, and the Bears are now 13-3 in which Hester records a return touchdown.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(espn.com)

Special Teams Player of the Week

Chicago PR/WR Devin Hester. Here's what Hester said on the NFL Network's GameDay Morning show Sunday: "I don't know what it's going to take for a returner to get voted in the Hall of Fame, but I'm going to make sure that it'll be a hard decision to pass me up. There's a first for everything: I want to be the first." Hester's 82-yard, sideline-tiptoe punt return for touchdown in one of the late games gave the Bears a commanding 20-0 lead and put them in the Wild-Card driver's seat at 6-3.

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(cnnsi.com)

CHICAGO -- The Chicago Bears kept receiver/return man Devin Hester (ankle) off the team's inactive list for Sunday's NFC North clash with the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field and were rewarded when he returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown in the second quarter of their 37-13 win.

Hester left the field in the first half and did not return due to illness. He also returned a first-quarter punt 29 yards to set up a Matt Forte touchdown and had a 35-yard return negated by a penalty.

Hester's availability was in question this week after the receiver sustained a sprained ankle in Chicago's win over the Eagles. The Bears listed Hester on the injury report as questionable after he missed practice all week only to fight through a bout with illness that seemed to further jeopardize his availability.

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(espn.com)

Devin Hester said he expected to be OK when he pulled a slipper on his left foot Monday night in the locker room in Philadelphia, but the Chicago Bears wide receiver didn't practice Thursday at Halas Hall.

Hester suffered a sprained left ankle in the fourth quarter of the victory over the Eagles. He had an Ace bandage wrap on it after the game, not a walking boot that is often used for more serious injuries.

If Hester is not available, it likely will increase opportunities for Earl Bennett in Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions. Bennett could make his second start of the season.

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(chicagotribune.com)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- With wide receiver Devin Hester unable to practice Wednesday due to an ankle sprain, and his status uncertain until late in the week, the Bears are looking at the possibility of playing without their breakaway special teams threat.

Hester was limping noticeably late Monday night after the game. Losing him against the Lions in a rematch of the game the Bears lost 24-13 earlier would be a bigger blow to special teams than offense, although he had also been coming on as a receiver prior to the injury.

Hester had 14 catches for 169 yards over three games before the Eagles game -- the most catches he's had for three games since Mike Martz became the team's offensive coordinator.

The Bears are far more suited to deal with Hester's absence than a few weeks ago because Earl Bennett returned to make five catches for 95 yards Monday after a chest injury.

Without Bennett and Hester, the receiver corps might be in a tough situation. But Bennett is one of the few Bears receivers with an ability to play any of the wide receiver positions in the offense. Johnny Knox would likely replace Hester on special teams.

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(sportingnews.com)

Chicago Bears wide receiver/kick returner Devin Hester injured his ankle in the middle of the fourth quarter of Monday night's game against the Philadelphia Eagles. However, if comments made by head coach Love Smith on Tuesday are any indication, it's not going to be a big deal.

Hester left the game midway through the fourth quarter with a left ankle injury. He walked off the field gingerly but suggested afterward he would be fine.

"He came out of it in pretty good shape," Smith said of Hester.

The Bears should have Hester back as they try to build on their win over the Eagles when they take on revived Detroit Lions on Sunday.

Hester has 22 catches for 320 yards and a touchdown so far in 2011 as well as a kick return touchdown and Chicago is counting on him to keep making opponents gameplan for him.

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(sbnation.com)

The Bears’ Devin Hester estimates he plays video games just about every day. He said it’s due in part to the free time he has and the fact that he feels he can’t go out in public much. His wife doesn’t mind — after all, it means he’s home — except when they have family over.

That’s when she pulls out her secret weapon.

“She’ll send my son down to the basement,” said Hester, who was promoting the first-person shooter “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3,” in stores Tuesday, over the phone last week. “She knows he won’t let me play games in peace. He’ll grab the controller and start pushing buttons and mess up the game. That does make me come (upstairs).”

Still, Hester insisted he isn’t the biggest gamer on the Bears. That award goes to tight end Kellen Davis. “He stays up all night playing even if we’ve got practice the next day,” Hester said. Both players have been known to team up together on previous “Call of Duty” games, along with teammates Matt Forte, Johnny Knox, Earl Bennett and Henry Melton, among others.

Sometimes they have players from opposing NFL squads join them, including the Denver Broncos’ Eddie Royal and the Minnesota Vikings’ Joe Webb.

“Two of us will be online and we’ll call this person who will call another person,” Hester said. “There could be as many as 12 of us on the same team. It’s a fun group activity. … Every now and then I might get one kid who asks (if we’re Bears players). They’ll see our screen names and put it together.”

Does Hester talk trash when he’s playing? “When I do good, yeah,” said Hester. And when he’s not doing so hot? “I’m quiet,” he said. “I hate getting shot.”

It wasn’t that long ago that Hester nearly found himself on the cover of another popular video game. He said his agent received a call saying he was under consideration for the cover of “Madden NFL 08.” Many players who appear on the cover of “Madden” have gone on to struggle during the season (that’s how the “Madden curse” started), but Hester said he would gladly become the game’s cover man if given the opportunity. “I think it’s a great honor to be on the cover,” said Hester, adding that he doesn’t believe in the curse. “I don’t think you should turn that down.”

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(chicagotribune.com)

Devin Hester has done it again: The Chicago Bears wide receiver/kick returner has been named NFC Special Teams Player of the Month.

Hester recorded eight punt returns for 130 yards (16.3 average) and a 69-yard touchdown in October. He had nine kickoff returns for 278 yards (30.9 average) with a 98-yard score.

This is Hester’s third career Player of the Month Award (December 2006 and September 2007), most in franchise history.

Hester was the only player in the NFL to record both a kickoff and punt return touchdown in October. His punt return touchdown was the 11th of his career, which set an NFL record, breaking a tie with Eric Metcalf (10).

Hester has 16 kick return touchdowns in his career (11 punt, five kickoff), with the two touchdowns in October. He also has 17 return touchdowns (11 punt, five kickoff, one missed field goal) during his six-year career, tied for second most in NFL history with Hall of Famer Rod Woodson, trailing Hall of Famer Deion Sanders (19).

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(chicagotribune.com)

Peter King of Sports Illustrated named his midseason All-Pro NFL team and four proCanes made the squad.

TE Jimmy Graham, Saints
MLB Ray Lewis, Ravens
RT Eric Winston, Texans
PR/KR Devin Hester, Bears

See the rest of the All-Pro team here

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(cnnsi.com)

Devin Hester, the NFL’s all-time leading touchdown returner, was ranked as the fourth fastest player in the league, according to a Sports Illustrated poll of players appearing in this week’s edition.

The Bears’ wide receiver and special team returner received three percent of the vote along with receiver Jacoby Ford of the Raiders.

Running back Chris Johnson of the Titans was No. 1 with 38 percent, followed by receiver DeSean Jackson (23 percent) of the Eagles and receiver Mike Wallace (12 percent) of the Steelers.

Johnson’s 4.24-second 40-yard dash at the 2008 combine is the fastest since they started recording them in 1999.

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(suntimes.com)

Devin Hester is already in the NFL's record book with his 16 kickoff/punt returns for TDs. Last Sunday's score off a 98-yard kickoff gave him 17 career non-offensive touchdowns -- including a 108-yard return of a missed FG in 2006 but not his 92-yard runback on the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XLI -- tying him with Rod Woodson for second all-time and leaving him two back of Deion Sanders' career mark.

Granted, Sanders and Woodson largely built their Canton portfolios as defensive backs. But will the efforts of Hester, who's not yet halfway through his sixth season, earn him a place among the immortals?

He'd already been deemed the greatest return man in history on NFL Network's NFL Top 10 series before he broke the all-time TD record of Brian Mitchell, who scored on 13 kickoff/punt returns in a 14-year career.

Though Hester has started regularly at wideout for the Bear since 2008 -- he's got 185 career receptions and another 13 TDs through the air -- he's not nearly the same caliber of player as Sanders and Woodson outside his special teams role. To date, K Jan Stenerud is the only player enshrined at Canton who was inducted primarily for his excellence in the third phase of the game.

Will Stenerud be getting some company in the future?



Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.

Already the most prolific kick returner in the sport’s history, the 28-year-old from Florida will be aiming to add to the 16 kick-off and punt returns he has run in for touchdowns when his Chicago Bears face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in this year’s London Bowl.

No player has ever been elected to the Hall of Fame as a return specialist, but Hester is tipped to make history by coach Lovie Smith.
‘We have the greatest returner in the history of the game in Devin Hester,’ he said.

‘What a sight – every touchdown he’s had, and he just set the punt return TD career record, I’ve had the opportunity to see and it doesn’t get any better than that.’

Defensive end Israel Idonije added: ‘Every time Devin gets the ball in his hands he’s a weapon.

‘He has the potential to make a huge play and to get in the end zone.’
There is also praise from legendary coach Mike Ditka, who led the Bears to their only Super Bowl success 25 years ago.

That side, dubbed the Monsters of Midway, contained star names like running back Walter Peyton, linebacker Mike Singletary, quarterback Jim McMahon and defensive lineman William Perry – who was better known as ‘The Fridge’.

Ditka rightly sings the praises of his men, who remain heroes in the Windy City, but believes Hester is one of the few modern-day Bears who would have fitted alongside them, saying: ‘He could play in anybody’s team.’

Hester left Sunday’s 39-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings suffering from bruising after hauling in a 48-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jay Cutler and producing a trademark kick-off return, scampering into the end zone after a 98-yard sprint.

But he is expected to be fit to face the Buccaneers who must try to catch lightning in a bottle.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(metro.co.uk)

The man who slapped Devin Hester on the back of his head at a Des Plaines, Ill., casino apologized Wednesday and offered to donate money to a charity of the Chicago Bears star's choice and perform community service.

Daniel Rago, 52, of Mount Prospect, Ill., was charged after slapping the back of Hester's head while the receiver was in a cash transaction line Friday night at Rivers Casino.

"Rago comes up from behind and slaps Mr. Hester with an open hand and walks away," Des Plaines Police Chief Jim Prandini said Tuesday. "Mr. Hester turned around and notified casino security. The offender was escorted to a security office and we were contacted. We were able to review the incident on video, and that verified the facts as stated by Mr. Hester."

Rago told Fox Chicago that he didn't know it was Hester and said he was wrong for touching him.

"We were all waiting in line. We were all happy, we won a little bit of money and all of a sudden the gentleman in front of me walked over two tellers to the left," Rago said. "I said 'Excuse me, these two elderly people were in front of you.' And that person replied, 'They waved me up.' I'm like, 'No, the next person in line should have went to the left.'

"No response after that, so I went over to the left of him and as a father would reprimand a kid, not saying he's a kid but a young man, and I just gave him a biff on the back of the head. And I was wrong for doing that. Nothing justifies another person hitting or touching another person. It's wrong on my part."

Rago, who has a Dec. 1 court date, said he was trying to stand up for the two elderly people in line with him.

"I was trying to defend the defenseless because they were elderly and they were not going to speak up to a young man," Rago said. "I felt that I'm just a fairness type of guy, and so I took that into my own thought process, which was totally wrong."

Rago, who said he is a big Bears fan, wants to make it up to Hester.

"Devin, if you're listening and if you can see me here, I am so, so sorry," Rago said. "I'm the bad guy here, and I apologize. I'm going to ask you right now, I will donate $500 to the charity of your choice and 20 hours of community service on your behalf. I messed up."

Rago, who said he "did not have one drink" Friday night at the casino, didn't know it was Hester until he was released from the police interrogation room and saw the complaint signed by Hester.

Two days later, Rago and his brother had end zone seats to watch Hester score two touchdowns during the Bears' 39-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night. Hester was named NFC special teams player of the week on Wednesday.

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(espn.com)

Devin Hester brushed off being named the NFC's special teams player of the week for the second time in three weeks. He's more concerned about getting on the field Sunday against the Buccaneers in London.

Hester sat out Wednesday's practice as he continues to recover from a chest injury. He said he was "hurting'' after getting banged up in the 39-10 victory over the Vikings.

Hester had a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown Sunday night but the Bucs might pose a much stiffer challenge.

"(The Bucs are) just physical on special teams,'' Hester said. "But there are some things we feel we can hurt them with.''

The Bucs rank second in the league in opponents field position after kickoff (18.8-yard line) thanks to the kicking of Michael Koenen. And since 2002, the Bucs have surrendered just four kick return touchdowns, tied for third-best in the league.

"I was hoping the Bears would leave (Hester) at home and not bring him to London," Bucs coach Raheem Morris joked. "If he shows up, hopefully we still won't see him. Hopefully, we can keep him somewhat out of the game."

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(chicagotribune.com)

Chicago Bears star Devin Hester was named the NFC's special teams player of the week for the second time in three weeks.

Hester returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown in the Bears' 39-10 win over the Vikings. It was the 16th kick return score of his career, extending an NFL record. Hester had 134 total return yards in the game.

It is the second time he has earned the distinction this season, also winning the honor after a 69-yard punt return for a touchdown in the Week 4 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

The latest honor marked the 11th special teams player of the week award for Hester.

Hester joins six other non-quarterbacks who have earned player of the week honors 11 times or more in their career. The list: Jerry Rice (13), Adam Vinatieri (13), John Carney (13) Barry Sanders (11), LaDainian Tomlinson (11), Jason Hanson (11), Hester (11).

Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris talked about the possibility of kicking to Hester in London Sunday, with Hester coming off a chest injury.

"I was hoping the Bears would leave him at home and not bring him to London," Morris joked. "If he shows up, hopefully we still won't see him. Hopefully, we can keep him somewhat out of the game."

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(chicagotribune.com)

Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester was the victim of a battery Friday at the Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, police said Tuesday.

The assault, which occurred about 10:40 p.m. inside the casino at 3000 S. River Road, was caught on surveillance camera, Des Plaines Police Chief Jim Prandini said.

Daniel G. Rago, 52, of the 200 block of Wille Street in Mount Prospect, is charged with one misdemeanor count of battery as a result.

Police said Hester, 28, was waiting in line for a cashier when Rago approached from behind, slapped the back of Hester’s head with an open hand and walked away.

Hester notified casino security and signed a complaint against Rago, who was detained until Des Plaines police arrived and arrested him a short time later.

“Hester was a perfect gentlemen through the whole thing,” Prandini said. “There was no argument between them beforehand. (Rago) had been drinking. Mr. Hester did not retaliate in any way, shape or form. He was extremely professional throughout and there was no problem.”

Rago later posted 10 percent of a $1,000 bond to go free while the case against him is pending. He is set to appear for a hearing at Cook County’s Skokie courthouse at 1:30 p.m. Dec. 1. If found guilty, he could face up to a year in jail or $2,500 fine.

The event didn’t seem to bother Hester much on the field this weekend, as he scored two long touchdowns — on a 48-yard reception and a 98-yard kickoff return — during the Bears’ 39-10 win Sunday night over the Vikings.

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(dailyherald.com)

Bears coach Lovie Smith reiterated at his Monday press conference that Devin Hester's chest injury is not serious.

"Shouldn't be serious," Smith said. "We're going to put him in the bumps and bruises section." Hester will likely miss some practice time this week, but should be a safe Week 7 start in leagues with return yardage.

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(rotoworld.com)

Devin Hester already had scored a touchdown on a 48-yard pass reception and 98-yard kickoff return against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night when he took a punt in the third quarter that looked pretty close to another fastball down the middle.

He found an opening, cut to the outside, but was hemmed in by Vikings punter Chris Kluwe. Hester coasted out of bounds and slammed the ball to the ground in frustration.

For all Hester has accomplished in his six-year NFL career, the triple-crown — touchdowns on a kickoff, punt and pass reception in the same game — remains elusive.

But just give him time. At the rate he’s going, he’ll get plenty more chances.

Hester had two touchdowns in the Beasr’ 39-10 rout of the Vikings at Soldier Field. But his night ended early when he left the game with a chest injury. His status is not known.

Hester helped set the tone when he beat Vikings safety Husain Abdullah and cornerback Cedric Griffin in the end zone for a 48-yard touchdown that gave the Bears a 7-0 lead just 2:13 seconds into the game.

It was a team effort, with excellent protection, including tight end Matt Spaeth on Vikings pass rusher Jared Allen and a perfect throw from Jay Cutler.

‘‘Great throw, good route by Devin,’’ Spaeth said. ‘‘It was good for us because it really jump-started the night for us.’’

After the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson scored on a four-yard run to close to 26-10 in the third quarter, Hester extended his NFL record for career kick return touchdowns when he took a kickoff in the third quarter, darted through a crease around the 35-yard line and outran what remained of the Vikings’ coverage unit for a 98-yard touchdown that gave the Bears a 33-10 lead.

‘‘When he’s back there and the music comes on and he’s on that big screen, I even get goosebumps — I’m about to block for the best kick returer who’s every played the game,’’ said Dom DeCicco, who helped block for Hester’s touchdown. ‘‘It makes you want to do your job that much more.

‘‘My guy was close [to Hester], but he’s just really fast and outran my guy. In situations like that one, you don’t get the best block on your guy, there’s still a good chance he’s going to make him miss, which makes our job so much easier. He’s just an unbelievable player and an even better guy. It’s awesome blocking for him.’’

Bears wide receiver Sam Hurd said he could tell Hester was going to break something.

‘‘Because right before we got out there, he smiles and has that look like, ‘Let’s go. Let’s eat. To the house,’’’ Hurd said. ‘‘That means every play can go to the house and I’m going to do my best to [make it happen]. He’s phenomenal.’’

Hurd credited the Bears’ special teams coaches for being well-prepared for the Vikings’ coverage scheme. But when asked what strategic move made it happen, it always comes back to the same thing.

‘‘Having Devin Hester back there —that’s what made work,’’ Hurd said. ‘‘Everybody picked up their blocks and went out there and made sure they got their job done and Devin did the rest.’’

Rookie tight end Kyle Adams also had a key block on the return.

‘‘I had to climb up and get my guy, and I was able to get him,’’ Adams said. ‘‘I wish I could take a lot of credit, but Devin set up the block and scooted the 80 yards. It was a good block, but I think that return was a lot of Devin.”’

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(suntimes.com)

CHICAGO -- Devin Hester extended his NFL record for combined touchdowns on kick returns with his 16th when he ran a kickoff back 98 yards for the Chicago Bears early in the third quarter of Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings' Adrian Peterson had just scored on a 4-yard run when Hester delivered the longest kickoff return of his career.

He turned to his right and was touched once on his way to the end zone, making it 33-10. It was his first kickoff return for a touchdown since Nov. 25, 2007, against Denver.

Hester set a record with his 11th punt return for a touchdown against Carolina on Oct. 2.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.

Devin Hester is one of the Bears’ most marketable stars, a dynamic playmaker and an NFL record-holder.

He had several notable endorsements last season, most notably Under Armour and Red Bull, and other companies were offering him hundreds of thousands of dollars.

More opportunities are sure to come after his punt return for a touchdown Oct. 2 against the Carolina Panthers gave him sole possession of the NFL record with 13 touchdowns on kickoff and punt returns.

But Hester ended his deals with Under Armour and Red Bull during the offseason and said he isn’t inclined to take on any other endorsements.
‘‘It’s too much,’’ he told the Sun-Times. ‘‘It takes away a lot.’’

On and off the field.

Time is money

Sponsors have needs, too, and a player’s commitment to collect that extra income takes a toll — especially during the season.

After a game Sunday, Hester occasionally had to jet somewhere for a commercial, a photo shoot or an appearance and sometimes didn’t return to Chicago until late Tuesday.

‘‘Then there’s no rest,’’ he said.

Although he’s only 28, Hester said he has to be more diligent about taking care of his body.

‘‘With the off day, you need to let your body recover and get treatment,’’ he said. ‘‘If you’re on the road, things like that can hurt. You miss a day or two of treatment, and it’ll show.

‘‘I’ve got to make sure I can do this for another four or five years. With all that stress, it was taking away from football.’’

Asked whether it was hard to leave so much money on the table, Hester said: ‘‘It is, but this is my main job. What’s more important?’’

Still, Hester’s decision doesn’t go unnoticed at home.

‘‘My wife gets on me because I turn down so many deals and photo shoots and commercials,’’ he said.

That, though, is another element Hester won’t sacrifice.

During the season, players often work six days a week. They might arrive at 6 a.m. for a workout, practice twice, attend multiple meetings, then leave after 6 p.m. And Hester might linger at Halas Hall because he doesn’t like to take his work home.

‘‘Once I leave here, I want to be a family guy,’’ he said after a recent practice. ‘‘Once I leave this facility, football is over. It’s family time.’’

Hester is serious about making sure he spends quality time with his son, Devin Jr. In fact, he started writing a monthly column in April for Chicago Parent magazine. The column, ‘‘Hangin’ With Devin,’’ chronicles the adventures of father and son.

A proud papa, Hester regularly posts pictures and videos of his son on his Twitter and Sports Buzz accounts. Devin Jr. will be 2 in November.
Taking success in stride

Coach Lovie Smith said he didn’t know Hester had ended his endorsement deals.

‘‘It hasn’t been an issue,’’ Smith said. ‘‘If they are doing something and it won’t affect what they’re doing here, I trust them.

‘‘But I’m happy for Devin if that’s what’s going to put him in the frame of mind to have a successful season.’’

Hester has only seven catches for 139 yards in the Bears’ first four games, but he keyed their 34-29 victory against the Panthers.

After the Panthers tied the score at 10 early in the second quarter, Hester rumbled through an arm tackle and gained 73 yards on the kickoff. Three plays later, running back Matt Forte scored on a 17-yard run.

After the defense forced a three-and-out, Hester fielded a low kick from Panthers punter Jason Baker.

‘‘It’s the kind of kick you dream about,’’ Bears special-teams coordinator Dave Toub said. ‘‘I mean, it was right down the middle and not high.’’
Punters make mistakes all the time, but Hester showed why he’s the best returner in NFL history. His blockers were set up for a return to the left, but Hester initially started right to help them set up the Panthers.

‘‘He’s so good,’’ Toub said. ‘‘You have to respect him.’’

Hester scored on a 69-yard return to give him the record.

Hester said another reason he scaled back on his endorsement deals was to try to blend in.

‘‘I don’t want a lot of attention; I want to be low-key,’’ he said. ‘‘I want to go to the grocery store with my family and not be bothered.’’

That’ll be hard to do, though,
as long as he continues making
big plays and showing up on highlight clips.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(suntimes.com)

ChicagoBears.com senior writer Larry Mayer speaks with general manager Jerry Angelo about the most pressing issues involving the Bears every week during the season.

LM: Devin Hester continued to cement his place in NFL history last Sunday, setting another league record with the 11th punt return touchdown of his career. What do you remember about the process that led to the Bears selecting him in the second round of the 2006 draft?
JA: “Devin was pretty prolific in college as a returner. He came out early, and he really didn’t have a defined position. If he did, he probably would have been a first-round pick. Saying that, there were teams that were going to take him in the second round. The Titans, who were picking ahead of us, had him on the phone and were making flight arrangements, and then they changed their mind literally at the last minute. So it wasn’t like he wasn’t coveted by other teams. Even though he was a bit of an enigma, he still was a tremendous talent. We felt the worst we would get was a top returner. We really had no idea he would become the best returner ever to play the game as he has. He had such a passion to be great, and that’s the one thing a lot of people don’t know about Devin. Devin’s a great worker. He has a tremendous passion to be a great player and that’s one reason we drafted him. We felt like he was going to do everything he could do to be the best he could be and that he had too much talent not to become a very good player.”

LM: What did the Bears’ area scout think of Hester?
JA: “Mark Sadowski really did a great job of evaluating Devin. Mark comforted all of us—Lovie [Smith], Dave Toub and certainly myself—that there was no bust factor with Devin. Devin was going to be a special player. We couldn’t say for sure where or when. But he felt strongly about it. That’s what I go on; what our area scouts tell me, and Mark was very adamant about that even though there was some gray area.”

LM: What stands out most about your personal evaluation of Hester?
JA: “Lovie and I were at an owners meeting in Florida and we decided to go down to Miami and work out Devin and Kelly Jennings. I remember going into the weight room and talking to the strength coach, who was revered down there and still is. He said the one thing about Devin is that you will always know where he is because he’s always around the football facility. He said Devin is a great worker and wants to know what he needs to do to be a great player, and that stuck with me. He told me Devin was the best athlete on a great team with a lot of great athletes, and there was no bust factor with Devin because he was a great kid and a great player.”


(chicagobears.com)

The Chicago Bears' Devin Hester was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week after returning an NFL-record 11th career punt for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers.

Hester's 69-yard touchdown punt return was his 11th in 182 career punt returns, breaking a tie with Eric Metcalf for the league record.

Hester also had a 73-yard kickoff return against the Panthers but was forced out of bounds by Carolina kicker Olindo Mare.

"It feels good," Hester said Sunday of his touchdown. "I knew my teammates were thirsting for a return, and I'm just glad and pretty honored to be on a team like this where we have 10 other guys out there that want a return just as bad as me."

Hester now has 39 punt returns of 20 yards or more in his career, which is the most in the NFL since the veteran entered the league in 2006. He is also the all-time leader for combined touchdowns on kick returns with 15.

Hester also surpassed Dante Hall (2,261) for 23rd in career punt return yards. Hester now has 2,300 punt return yards.

Hester won the award for the 10th time, the most ever by a return specialist.\


(espn.com)

You want to call Devin Hester the best return man of all time?

I won’t argue.

In fact, I’m there leading the charge. And I watched Gale ­Sayers.

And Brian Mitchell and Eric Metcalf and Dante Hall and Deion Sanders.

Why, I even saw live-action from “Bullet Bob’’ Hayes and, yes, Walter Payton, who returned 17 kicks for the Bears for a 31.7-yard average in his first two seasons.

But when Hester caught a punt on the Bears’ 31-yard line in the second quarter Sunday against the Panthers at Soldier Field, you could see that which is unique exploding.

First, Hester took two quick steps to his right, enough to get all defenders committed a wee bit, then he jab-stepped and turned left so fast that he had to put his left hand down on the ground briefly, like a downhill skier stabbing his pole into the uphill ice, just so he didn’t go completely horizontal. Then he shook off a tackle and was gone.

Sixty-nine yards and a touchdown into the northwest corner of the field. And he was just building up speed. And pizazz.

Indeed, we’ll forgive him for doing one, then two, then three somersaults through the end zone and earning an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty in the process. Why, for a moment it seemed he might continue his tumbles right down the tunnel and out to Lake Shore Drive.

“Three was the limit,’’ Hester assured all in the locker room.

Why not 11?

For that was Hester’s 11th punt return touchdown in his five-plus-year career, and it was the most in NFL history. He broke Metcalf’s record of 10, a record that took that little flier 12 years to achieve.

Now, we had said best “return man’’ at the start, and that ­includes kickoff returns.

So there was Hester on the Bears’ previous possession, taking the ball nine yards deep in the end zone on the kickoff, hesitating, and then carrying it out for 73 yards to set up Matt Forte’s 17-yard touchdown run.

All that in just three minutes of the second quarter on just two touches of the ball. And it helped put the Bears up 24-10 in a game that never should have been close.

So let’s do some quick math.

If the kickoff hadn’t been returned — and nobody but Hester should ever take out a ball kicked that deep — it would have been placed on the Bears’ 20. Instead Hester got it to the Panthers’ 36.

The average punt return in the league is maybe five yards, so the Jason Baker punt would have ended up, if an average returner had snagged it, at the Bears’ 36 instead of the Panthers’ end zone.

So on those two plays alone, Hester gave the Bears an extra 108 yards and a touchdown while setting up another TD.
Can you get more valuable than that?

Which brings up two more relevant questions.

Why does Hester play wide receiver at all? He’s not a great route runner or pass catcher. All he can do is get hurt. That return men don’t touch the ball very often means nothing. Getting yardage should be all that matters.

Hester said a couple years ago he wanted to get paid like a wide receiver, which he is. But how about some wide receivers wanting to get paid like great return men? What’s the prejudice? Aren’t they called special-teamers?

Second, why does anybody kick the ball to Hester?

Getting kicked to by Panthers coach Ron Rivera, said Hester, “a guy I’ve been around and he’s seen me grow as a player, it was a shock.’’
Dese coaches, ya know, sometimes dey ain’t so smart.

Then again, the Panthers tried to kick the ball out of the end zone on Hester’s 73-yard return. And when Jacobs finally punted out of bounds in the fourth quarter out of sheer Hester-phobia, he gave up maybe 10-15 yards to the Bears. How about adding that to Hester’s total?

At any rate, we’re talking about more than this game, about something transcendent, a Hall of Famer in our midst.

Hester already has been selected first-team All-Pro three times, and he has four kickoff returns for touchdowns in his career to go with those 11 punt return TDs. Oh, and he had a 92-yard kickoff TD against the Colts to open Super Bowl XLI in Miami.

Sayers was tremendous, but he broke down after seven seasons from the beating he took, because first and foremost he was a Hall of Fame running back.

Hester is not great at anything else but returning kicked balls. Which is enough.

I’d say way more than enough.


(suntimes.com)

With all due respect to a fellow receiver, the last thing Devin Hester wanted to talk about was Roy Williams' chemistry with quarterback Jay Cutler.

"I don't talk about anybody else," Hester said Wednesday. "I can only talk about myself. What Roy has going on, that's for him. I can only control what I can do."

Hester's focus this week is to get better in areas that continue to plague the receiving corps as a whole.

"I need to improve on a lot of things, but I really need to get clearer separation on my guy,'' Hester said. "Certain times, I was open but could have been even more open. It just comes from accelerating out of my breaks and make sure I'm getting (the defender's) hand off me when they try to jam.''

As for Williams, his recovery from a groin injury might have thrown off his timing with Cutler because the two haven't practiced together consistently. But Williams said his injury was no excuse for failing to catch any of the four passes thrown his way in the loss the Packers.

"It was my fault. Put it on me," Williams said. "Especially the touchdown. I have strong enough hands to hold on to that ball even with the contact that I got. Great hit by him, but I still have to hold on to that ball.''

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(chicagotribune.com)

Chicago’s Devin Hester has been fairly quiet on returns this year, but you don’t have to tell Panthers punter Jason Baker just how dangerous he is. Hester had a 50-yard return against the Panthers last year and might have gone the distance had it not been for a shoestring tackle by Baker.
Baker said the key to stopping Hester this year is simple – don’t punt as much.

“You can’t give a guy like that eight or nine chances like we did last year,” Baker said. “We have to move the ball well. But the reality is there are good players in the league you face every week but I would be lying if I said Devin wasn’t unique. He’s very good and makes good decisions and has the ability to take advantage of mistakes. We’ll undoubtedly have to cover some punts this week, so that’s a big challenge.”

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(gastongazette.com)

The play was called back due to a penalty, but you can still see the effect Devin Hester has on the game even without the ball in his hand.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.

Trailing by 10 and with a chance to put some pressure on the Packers with a score, wide receiver Devin Hester (notes) decided it would be a good time to throw a punch at Sam Shields (notes) .

Sure, he wasn't the only one misbehaving there -- Shields deserved a penalty too, but that matters not. If you lose your cool and throw a punch, you deserve to be penalized, end of story. If you don't like it, keep your hands to yourself.

The penalty put the Bears in a third-and-very-long, and they couldn't convert. I doubt they'd have won the game anyway, as Green Bay seemed to always have an answer for anything Chicago did, but it was the best chance they had. A score there cuts the lead to three with plenty of time remaining.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(yahoosports.com)

Devin Hester is confident that it’s only a matter of time before he breaks off a big return. But the NFL record-holder conceded Thursday after practice that he’s “very anxious” to do so.

“This has been something that I’ve been living and dying off of, the return game,” Hester said in advance of Sunday’s contest against the Packers. “We haven’t been hitting the home runs the past two games, but hopefully this week we can pick it up and start back to where we used to be.”

Hester enters Week 3 averaging just 20.0 yards on five kickoff returns and 5.0 yards on two punt returns. Last year he averaged only 2.0 yards on six punt returns in the first two games before busting loose with a 62-yard touchdown, coincidentally, in a Week 3 win over the Packers at Soldier Field.

“This is my sixth year and I know that you have to be patient," said Hester, who owns the NFL’s all-time record with 14 combined kick return TDs. “You can’t over-think or try to force something to happen. That’s when you make mistakes. You have to just be patient and when it comes, it comes.”

(chicagobears.com)

Devin Hester has heard it all before. The Chicago Bears receiver understands how criticism mounts after a bad loss and how fingers start pointing at the receiving corps when the offense sputters.

"It’s the nature of the beast," Hester said Wednesday. "Whenever the passing game is not going, people tend to look at the receivers and say, 'Well, the receivers are not doing their jobs.’ That’s just basically how it goes.’’

Hester would be the first to admit that he dropped a catchable ball on third down in the second quarter of Sunday’s 30-13 loss to the Saints. The fact that he caught just one pass but was targeted nine times was a bit deceiving, however, with only two catchable balls thrown his way.

Quarterback Jay Cutler, playing under duress the entire game, fired at least two balls over Hester’s head and threw another out of bounds in Hester’s direction. Cutler also threw a screen pass intended for Hester into the ground. Not to mention the Saints defenders got into the passing lanes or deflected balls several times.

"At the end of the day, people go off stats and they judge you,’’ Hester said.

"Watching film of the drop, I came in and it was a hot route. The guy kind of grabbed me a little bit and it threw me off balance. I slipped at the same time trying to catch it. But I still should have made that catch. Other than that, the other one that was catchable was the 17-yard route I caught."

Despite the factors that contributed to the offense’s futility – poor blocking, rushed throws, dropped passes -- Hester knows the receivers, as whole, have to step it up against the Packers. Sure, Green Bay is last in the league in pass defense while surrendering 400 yards per game and has lost safety Nick Collins, but the Packers still have Charles Woodson and could have Tramon Williams back from a shoulder injury.

The Bears receivers have struggled against the Packers' press coverage, although Johnny Knox has averaged 23.5 yards per catch against Green Bay while Hester has averaged 15.7 yards per reception.

"As receivers, we just have to create more separation,’’ Hester said. ``The type of defense Green Bay’s plays, we know they’re going to play a lot of man. We have to have separation earlier in the play.’’

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(chicagotribune.com)

Bears return man Devin Hester thinks it was stupid of the NFL to move kickoffs up five yards, and he’s not afraid to say so.

After a Week One that saw more touchbacks than usual but also more touchdown returns than usual, Hester said nothing really changed, and that the NFL passed a rule that was ostensibly about player safety but didn’t really have an impact.

“It’s just showing the NFL that moving the line up five yards didn’t budge things a bit,” Hester told the Chicago Tribune. “They got a couple touchbacks but you’ve still got guys bringing it out and at the end of the day that rule is pointless. It’s not going to prevent concussions because guys are bringing it out five to eight yards deep in the end zone. We’re still coming out with it. And that’s taking away from some of the fun in the NFL because guys are going to bring it out regardless.”

Hester is far from alone. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell thinks more touchbacks will mean fewer injuries, but most of the players who are putting their bodies on the line seem to want to keep the game the way it is.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(profootballtalk.com)

Devin Hester was limited to 17 yards on one catch in the Bears' Week 2 loss to the Saints.

Hester netted 47 yards on two kick returns, but he was held mostly in check on offense because of the Saints' ability to keep constant pressure on Bears quarterback Jay Cutler. Hester's deep routes simply didn't have time to develop.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(rotoworld.com)

CHICAGO -- Devin Hester found himself back returning kickoffs for the Chicago Bears on Sunday after Johnny Knox handled the majority of kickoff duties during the preseason.

Despite the new rule that forces teams to kick off from the 35-yard line, Hester managed to run back three returns for 53 yards.

"We knew the kicker (Matt Bosher) we were facing this week was a rookie," Hester said. "He showed some glimpses in the preseason that he struggled to get it deep in the end zone, so we knew we were going to get some shots on kickoff return."

While Hester has always maintained a strong presence on the punt team, the three-time Pro Bowl selection only returned a combined 19 regular-season kickoffs the past two years. The rationale for phasing Hester off kickoff returns was to allow him to focus more on offense, where he's entering his third year as a full-time starting wide receiver.

Hester electrified the crowd in the third quarter by turning a simple screen pass into a 53-yard play that almost resulted in a touchdown. The officials ruled Hester was pushed out of bounds at the 1-yard line, and the ruling held up after Bears head coach Lovie Smith threw the red challenge flag.

Quarterback Jay Cutler found tight end Matt Spaeth on a 1-yard touchdown pass on the ensuing play.

"It was a quick screen, the safety came down and once I made a move on him I had the opportunity to stretch the field," Hester said. "He missed and I cut up in there and tried to get as much as I could and the left side opened up, so I went in and took that shot.

"I thought it was a touchdown. They robbed me, but we ended up getting in there."

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(espn.com)

Falcons punter Matt Bosher vs. Bears returner Devin Hester: Bosher, a rookie from Miami, had a spotty exhibition season and will be called on to kick to the game’s most dangerous returner in his first game in the NFL. He has a live leg, but is not nearly as crafty with his kicks as his predecessor Michael Koenen.


(ajc.com)

Devin Hester is listed as the Bears' No. 1 kickoff and punt returner heading into Week 1.

He's also listed as the starting receiver opposite Roy Williams. The Bears must have forgotten the lesson they learned last season that fewer responsibilities means a more dangerous Hester. We fully expect his offensive snaps to be curtailed over the course of the season, and Johnny Knox will also see time on kickoffs. Earl Bennett is listed as No. 2 on punts.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(rotoworld.com)

BOURBONNAIS -- As far as the Bears are concerned, what might have happened at the University of Miami stays at the University of Miami.

Stunning allegations of rampant NCAA violations at the school and millions of dollars in impermissible gifts from one rogue booster being lavished on student-athletes came out in a highly detailed Yahoo Sports report that names Devin Hester as one of more than 70 athletes involved.

Hester, who is pictured with Hurricanes booster Nevin Shapiro in multiple photos in the Yahoo report, declined to discuss the situation Wednesday, a day after he said he didn't know the man who is serving 20 years in federal prison after being convicted of running a $930 million Ponzi scheme.

"I'm prepared to talk Chicago Bears football," Hester said. "I'm willing to do whatever you want -- if you want to talk about Bears, I'm all down for it. But other than that, no comment."

As far as the Bears and the NFL are concerned, the story is mostly a non-issue. It doesn't affect Hester's standing with the team, just as the Reggie Bush USC probe didn't involve the Saints directly. In this instance, there's no national championship team Hester was on, and he didn't win a Heisman Trophy.

"That's the University of Miami's issue," Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said. "It's unfortunate that it does go on in college. That's why they have the NCAA, and the NCAA always does its due diligence. Whatever wrongs there are, they'll find out."

Shapiro admitted he had an ax to grind with the players he splurged for because he believes they betrayed him at his time of need when authorities came down on him. According to the Yahoo article, Hester allegedly received rims for his SUV, $3,000 for an engagement ring, cash bounties for game performances and NBA playoff tickets through Shapiro. None of that would affect his standing in the NFL, and he's not bound to discuss the matter with NCAA officials if they come calling.

Shapiro told Yahoo he provided extra benefits to 72 football players and other athletes at Miami from 2002 to 2010.

The Yahoo article says a source corroborated Shapiro's account of Hester receiving food, entertainment and lodging in the booster's home, saying Hester was having roommate problems and stayed with Shapiro for a sustained period.

As for Hester's claim that he doesn't know Shapiro, the Yahoo article includes a photo of Hester sitting in Shapiro's VIP section of Opium Garden nightclub in 2003 and another photo of Hester with Shapiro at an October 2003 dinner the booster allegedly paid for at Japanese-themed steakhouse Benihana.

The story is just getting started for Miami, and the potential fallout could make tattoos and game-used jerseys at Ohio State look minuscule in comparison. For the Bears, if it's not over already, it will be soon aside from the distraction.

"The NCAA has a lot of issues," Angelo said. "These kids are highly recruited. These programs are very, very visible to a lot of people. Alumni are a huge part of every program. Sometimes people get near lines and go over them. I'm not saying that's the case in Miami. They'll do their homework and right whatever wrongs there might be.

"Hopefully, it's just a bad rumor."

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(chicagotribune.com)

Johnny Knox has taken no reps at Devin Hester's Z receiver position in camp, working only as Roy Williams' backup at X.

Hester is locked in at flanker, leaving Knox to fight for scraps in four-receiver sets. It's a shame that the Bears have given up on Knox in favor of Hester, who is an exponentially better returner than receiver, and Williams, who hasn't played well in several seasons. It's almost like they named the starting lineup based on contract size. Knox is the lowest paid.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(rotoworld.com)

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — Chicago Bears wide receiver-returner Devin Hester blazed down the sideline, leaving late-arriving safety Chris Harris resembling a man stuck in mud. Hester's warp speed ignited an electric, 60-yard touchdown connection with quarterback Jay Cutler that delighted the 3,000-plus fans attending a practice at Olivet Nazarene University this week.

For all the weapons added to spark a 30th-ranked offense — receivers Roy Williams and Sam Hurd and running back Marion Barber III — Hester's potential breakout entering his fourth season at receiver is the talk of Bears camp.

"Devin is primed for a big year," Harris said. "He's grown a lot as a route runner. This team is primed to take the next step after coming so close to the Super Bowl. We added some good pieces.

"And Devin is very motivated."

Hester was held without a reception by the Green Bay Packers secondary in the NFC Championship Game loss.

The explosive playmaker who set the NFL record of 14 combined kickoff and punt-return touchdowns in 76 career games spent six weeks in May and June working three days a week with Cutler and the other Bears' skill players.

The former Miami (Fla.) Hurricane caught 40 passes last season after recording 50-plus catches the previous two seasons. Hester's regimen of honing his strength and stamina coincides with coach Lovie Smith's concession that the "Windy City Flyer" needs to be a bigger offensive focal point starting opposite Williams. Hester's longest reception was 39 yards last season.

That works for Cutler, who sees a more polished receiver than last year, when Hester was swimming in offensive coordinator Mike Martz's voluminous system.

"He's so much more comfortable," Cutler said. "In this system, if you think, you're not going to be very effective."

Where Hester stands is on the cusp of realizing assistant head coach-defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli's motivating comparison.

When the former Detroit Lions head coach joined the Bears in January 2009, he presented his former NFC North tormentor a DVD tribute.

"I gave Devin the movie Jim Thorpe to show him the tradition, history, a guy Devin can identify with," Marinelli said. "Devin's a great athlete just like Jim Thorpe."

Hester was intrigued.

"Coach Marinelli handed me the movie and said, 'You're the modern-day Jim Thorpe,' " Hester said.

Hester wasn't familiar with Thorpe's legendary athleticism as a Football Hall of Famer and 1912 Olympic pentathlon-decathlon gold medalist. "I learned how great Jim Thorpe was at everything," he said.

Smith's challenge is balancing his cornerback-turned-receiver's offensive touches in an effort not to diminish Hester's impact as a returner.
"I said, 'How about punt returns?' " Smith said. "Devin continues to talk about returning kicks, too. It's hard to say no to a Hall of Famer when he wants to do something."

Last Saturday, Hester watched the speeches by newly enshrined Hall of Famers Deion Sanders, Shannon Sharpe, Marshall Faulk and former Bear Richard Dent. He especially connected with Sanders' moving tribute to his mother Connie's hard-working sacrifice.

Hester's parents divorced when he was an infant. His mother was severely injured in a car crash. He lost his father to cancer as a teenager.
"I broke down in my dorm room watching those speeches," Hester said. "I want to join them in the Hall of Fame."

Smith says he'll get there if Hester continues channeling his inner Thorpe. "There will be a place for the greatest returner of all time in the Hall of Fame one day," he said.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(usatoday.com)

There are few if any surprises on the Bears’ first unofficial depth chart, which was released to the media Wednesday in advance of Saturday’s preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills.

Roy Williams and Devin Hester are listed as the starting receivers ahead of Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett, respectively. Of course, all four wideouts figure to see significant playing time in a Mike Martz offense that’s known for its multi-receiver sets. Rookie Dane Sanzenbacher and veteran Sam Hurd are both third on the depth chart.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(chicagobears.com)

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. — When he arrived at Olivet Nazarene University, Devin Hester didn’t know what role coaches had in store for him.

“They haven’t really told us,” Hester said July 30, a day after players reported for training camp.

Now he knows — and he couldn’t be more thrilled.

During the unusually long offseason, Bears coaches evaluated film of the 2010 season and recognized ­Hester wasn’t used enough.

“He played even ­better than I thought he did,” ­offensive coordinator Mike Martz told the Sun-Times. “He’s an outstanding wide receiver. He’s very quiet and understated, and we had trouble getting him the ball, but I don’t foresee that being an issue this year.”

Added coach Lovie Smith, “He’ll be a huge part of the offense.”

In 2010, Johnny Knox had more catches (51), ­receiving yards (960), receiving touchdowns (five) and even offensive snaps (864) than any other receiver. Hester, meanwhile, had 40 catches for 475 yards and four touchdowns. But receivers coach Darryl Drake said the film showed that Hester consistently did what was asked of him.

“[Hester] played so much better than people imagined,” Drake said. “Sometimes you don’t realize some things until you really sit down and you look and see what you asked of him, and he was ­always where he was ­supposed to be.

“He really was our best receiver last year, even though the numbers didn’t show it.”


(suntimes.com)

The addition of veteran free agents like wide receiver Roy Williams and Sam Hurd, along with running back Marion Barber has piqued interest in a Bears offense that was essentially along for the ride last season during the journey to the NFC title game.

But it’s Devin Hester’s improvement at wide receiver in his second year in offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s scheme that has teammates and coaches psyched.

“Devin Hester is having an unbelievable camp,” quarterback Jay Cutler said. “He’s so much more comfortable in the system.

“In this system, if you think, you’re not going to be very effective. He’s not thinking, he’s just out there reacting, and he’s running super fast like he always does. I’m happy with him, and I think he’s happy where he’s at right now, too.”

In 2009, Hester posted career bests with 57 catches for 757 yards. But his production dipped last season, when he finished with 40 receptions for 475 yards, averaging a career-low 11.9 yards per grab.

Now he could be on the verge of a bounce-back season.

“He’s a lot more fluid and really distinct in his routes,” wide receivers coach Darryl Drake said. “He’s just playing, and that’s what you want your guys to do, just let it flow.

“He understands things a lot better as far as the system. And it should be that way the second year. He works extremely hard, and as long as he continues to do that, everything else will take care of itself.”

Hester clearly seems more at ease in the offense, and he says he’s enjoying the luxury of being able to run routes and make adjustments instinctively without having to think about what to do in every situation.

“It was a new system for all of us (last season),” he said. “A lot of guys through the first half of the season were doing more thinking rather than going out and just playing. This year, with another year under our belts with the playbook, that really helps. It allows us to play fast, whereas last year we were doing more thinking.

“Now, it’s more about just going out and having fun.”

But no matter how valuable Hester becomes as a receiver, he will never equal his accomplishments as a return specialist. Both he and the Bears realize the importance of balancing those two phases so as not to detract from what he contributes on special teams. In just five seasons, Hester already owns the all-time NFL record with 14 combined touchdowns on kickoff and punt returns.

It probably isn’t a coincidence that while Hester was establishing himself as a legitimate NFL receiver in 2008 and ’09 with a combined 108 catches for 1,422 yards, he failed to score a single return touchdown. In his first two seasons (2006-07), Hester had 11, not counting a kickoff-return touchdown in Super Bowl XLI and a 108-yard return TD of a missed field goal.

Last season, Hester’s workload as a receiver was scaled back, and he scored 3 more return TDs.

“Like any guy, when you’re playing 65-70 snaps, it may have an effect on you,” Drake said. “So I have to be careful with how much I ask him to do because he’s the best returner in the game, and there has to be a balance.

“I also think he’s a really good receiver, contrary to what a lot of people think. But there’s got to be a balance. Last year we talked about it, and I kind of took some of the reps from him, and the return game picked up.”

It seemed like anytime Hester’s numbers as a receiver were down last year they spiked in the return game.

• In the first Packers game, he was limited to 1 catch for 16 yards, but he scored on a 62-yard punt return.

• In the second Vikings game, he caught just 2 passes for 23 yards but scored on a 64-yard punt return and added a 79-yard kickoff return.

• The Seahawks limited Hester to 2 receptions for 23 yards, but they couldn’t prevent an 89-yard punt-return TD.

• In the first Vikings game, Hester’s 4 receptions totaled just 38 yards, but he had a 68-yard kickoff return and brought a punt back 42 yards.
With Williams and Hurd added this year, the Bears have the depth to use Hester judiciously in the passing game and still keep him fresh for returns.

“It does give us some flexibility,” Drake said, “and an opportunity to get those guys involved a little bit more, too, and not have to panic when Hester’s not in there.”

With Hester well rested for the return game, it’s more likely that the opponents’ coverage teams will be panicking.

• Follow Bob’s Bears reports via Twitter @BobLeGere and check out our Bear Essentials blog at dailyherald.com.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(dailyherald.com)

BOURBONNAIS -- Early this offseason, the idea was Devin Hester would lose playing time to Earl Bennett.

Hester was asked about the possibility at the outset of training camp and took the professional approach, saying he knows he’ll make plays when he has an opportunity.

Now with Roy Williams in the mix, it’s going to be more interesting how the playing time is divided for a group the Chicago Bears hope is their best at the wide receiver position in a long time.

But if Hester’s playing time is trimmed from the 66 percent it was at last season as a starter, he looks like he’s going to be a more effective performer. That’s if early returns in training camp mean anything. Hester made a route adjustment on the fly Thursday night, getting open deep when he spotted the safety out of the center of the field. It was a smart move and one he made seamlessly. It’s something that might not have come to him last season, and certainly not in training camp when he was trying to digest the Mike Martz playbook.

“Devin Hester is having an unbelievable camp,” quarterback Jay Cutler offered in an unsolicited comment. “He’s so much more comfortable in the system. He’s not thinking and in this system if you think you’re not going to be very effective. He’s just out there. He’s reacting, he’s running super fast like he always does. I’m happy with him and I think he’s happy where he is at right now too.”

That’s certainly good news for the Bears, especially if Hester can make plays downfield more consistently. Maybe it will be a challenge for how the team wants to deploy the wideouts, more than a challenge to get them to produce like it’s often been in the past.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(chicagotribune.com)

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Devin Hester has lobbied for veteran wide receivers to come in before.

Now, one is finally here, as the Bears have signed Roy Williams, at one time one of the best playmakers in the NFC.

Williams' arrival means a couple things. First, it ends the quest some have been on for a big wide receiver.

"Have we gotten those questions?" coach Lovie Smith said. "But that doesn't really matter an awful lot. We were looking for receivers that we thought could play. Roy brings quite a bit to it. He is big, he can block, but we think he can win the one-on-one battles. We could talk about him quite a bit. I think he's a great talent that it hasn't quite worked for him yet, but hopefully it will. I think we've had some success with some players that it didn't work out somewhere else, then they come here and finish up strong."

Williams' arrival also means Hester could be looking at a redefined role, one with less playing time. Before the Bears made the addition, it looked like Earl Bennett could take some snaps from Hester. Now, the Bears are going to have to juggle to keep everyone in the mix. That's something offensive coordinator Mike Martz has experience doing, and it doesn't sound like it's going to bother Hester one bit.

"Whenever you get a vet like that who has been in the league a long time, he comes with experience," Hester said. "We can pick his brain and from his experience he can help out a lot.

"You have to have an offense where you have a big target and speedy guys like ourselves. He's going to come in here and hopefully be a big target for Jay to hit in crucial situations."

And if it means Hester relinquishes his starting role?

"My mind-set is that I am coming in being the starter and contributing in any kind of way I can," he said. "If (I don't start), I'm going to make plays regardless. I don't care whether I am starting or not, I am going to come in and make plays. Whether I am starting isn't going to effect me."

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(chicagotribune.com)

BOURBONNAIS, Il. -- Devin Hester can relate to Matt Forte.

Three summers ago it was Hester who entered Chicago Bears camp with a contract issue hanging over the team's head. After back-to-back Pro Bowl berths in 2006 and 2007, Hester was ready to cash in just a few years into his original rookie contract.

Hester had this advice for Forte.

"Just be patient," Hester said. "The coaches upstairs know when a player deserves a new contract. It's not rocket science. Just stay patient. I'm glad that he's here, he's showing that he's willing to do whatever. That shows a great side of him doing that. He'll be rewarded for that. There is no doubt in my mind.

"Matt is a great athlete and a key asset to our team. With a guy like that on our team, it makes it a lot easier. With a guy like Matt back here, it brings a lot of (happiness) to our players."

Forte arrived in camp on time Friday with an assurance from Bears general manager Jerry Angelo that a contract extension would be a "priority" for the organization. Hester took a slightly different approach, failing to show up the first day. Hester's absence, however, was a brief one, and the record-setting return man quickly agreed to a four-year extension that could be valued at $40 million.

"My holdout, I was here, I just didn't practice," Hester said. "I went to the meetings and everything. I came, and showed I was willing to be a part of the team. That's all that really mattered."

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(espn.com)

Devin Hester tried this route before, with little success.

In April of 2009, Hester encouraged the Bears to sign veteran Torry Holt so he could pick Holt’s brain about playing the receiver position. Holt signed with the Jaguars instead.

Now, as the Bears approach the 2011 season, there’s another accomplished receiver Hester would like to join forces with: Santana Moss.

"Anybody that can come in and help out the team, I’m down for it, and a guy like (Moss) can come in and really help out a lot," Hester said of his fellow Miami Hurricane. "I’m hoping we can get him."

Moss, 32, is on the Bears’ radar, and he is viewed as productive player and positive locker room influence. He had a career-high 93 catches for 1,115 yards and six touchdowns with Washington last season and has four 1000-yard seasons in 10 years.

Problem is, there’s no telling when free agency will begin, although an ESPN report recently speculated a July 28 start date. And there is no guarantee Moss will be on the market anyway. He recently told Sporting News Radio he wants to quickly re-sign with the Redskins once free agency starts. The Washington Post reported he was seeking either a two- or three-year deal at about $5 million per season.

If Moss is available and the Bears pursue him, some might question why Jerry Angelo, Lovie Smith and crew would want to add a 5-foot-10-inch receiver to a mix that already includes the 5-11 Hester and 6-footers Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett.

"That small stuff is overrated," Smith said this offseason. "You look for receivers who can catch the ball and move the chains."

Still, both Angelo and Smith made it clear before the draft the team would like to add a bigger receiver, even despite offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s affection for small, speedy wideouts. But the Bears aren’t desperate to add a big target for quarterback Jay Cutler, who grew accustomed to 6-4 Brandon Marshall in Denver.

If there’s a productive, high-character big receiver on the market in free agency, the Bears are likely to at least look into it. But they’ve already decided against pursuing 6-5 Plaxico Burress, based on extensive research prior to Burress going to prison. And 6-4 Sidney Rice’s hip is a concern, although the Vikings said they have no issues with Rice’s health as they look to re-sign him.

The Bears seem content with what they have at receiver if their free-agent options are scarce.

"If we don’t add anybody, I’m very comfortable with the guys we have now, to be honest with you,’’ Hester said. "Everybody showed glimpses last season. We have the athletes to do it. Now, it’s just about going out there and getting it done."

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(chicagotribune.com)

Springfield is Chicago Bears country. If Bears kick returner/wide receiver Devin Hester didn’t know that before, he sure as heck does now.

Hester was in town to sign autographs at Scheels on Monday evening, where an overflow crowd greeted him.

Kyle and Ally Irmen of Springfield were the first in line to get Hester’s autograph, and they said they arrived at 7 a.m. to secure that position.

“(We did it) because he’s the man, the myth, the legend,” Kyle said. “He’s the Windy City Flyer.”

Hester has been working out regularly with the Bears quarterbacks and running backs at Carmel High School in Mundelein.

ESPN reported on Monday that an agreement between the players and owners could be ratified on July 21 at league meetings in Atlanta.

“It’s tough. You really don’t know when the phone is going to ring to say ‘Come in tomorrow for the first day of practice,’” Hester said. “It’s a scary part, and you’re hoping that guys on vacation are taking time out to do a little conditioning and do a little lifting, because any moment now you can be called.”

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(sj-r.com)

(hurricanesports.com)

 

Although his peers somewhat surprisingly voted him No. 32 in an NFL Network poll ranking the league's top 100 players, Devin Hester understands he still has much to prove, particularly as a receiver.

And Hester firmly believes he has made strides this offseason.

The Chicago Bears’ electric kick returner was at Lincoln-Way Central High on Thursday alongside Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade as the two held football and basketball camps.

Hester’s high ranking in the top-100 poll was questioned by media members, and he attributes the recognition to being arguably the best return man of all time, not for his work at receiver. He set the NFL record of 14 kick-return touchdowns in just 74 games.

"It was a blessing to be among the top players who made the top 100,’’ Hester said. "Not even just the top 100, but even some of the guys who didn’t make it. I felt there was like 300 more guys who should have been on the list, so that means a lot for me to be at No. 32.

"It’s a great feeling to know my peers feel like that about me. Just a great honor.’’

Julius Peppers was No. 10 on the list while Brian Urlacher (No. 49) and Lance Briggs (No. 92) were the only other Bears mentioned.

After Thursday's three-hour session with hundreds of campers, Hester -- who caught just 40 passes last season (11.9 yards per catch) after finishing with 50-plus catches the previous two -- talked about the organized workouts with Jay Cutler and the rest of the offensive skill players that have now concluded.

"Just running routes on air and consistently getting a feel for what your weakness are and what you need to improve on as far as routes,’’ Hester said of what he accomplished. "The more you run those routes, the smoother you are. That’s what helped me the most.’’

Spending three days a week at those workouts only made Hester more eager to get back on an NFL field. The Bears are scheduled to report to training camp July 22 in preparation for the Aug. 7 Hall of Fame game matchup with the Rams.

But the preseason all depends on the lockout being resolved in the next week or so, and signs point to a possible agreement being in place by the weekend.

"It’s getting (frustrating),’’ Hester said. "What is it, a month before we play a game? The sad thing about it is that regardless of when the lockout ends, everybody wants us to be on schedule to play the games.

"The players are just saying, 'Don’t expect us to come one week and try to play the next.' If y’all want us to play, let’s go ahead and get this worked out.’’

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(chicagotribune.com)

Devin Hester changed his workout routine before last season and was pleased with the results.

After not scoring on a kick return or punt return during the 2008 and ’09 seasons, he returned three punts for touchdowns last season, breaking the NFL record for career return touchdowns with a 64-yarder against the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 20.

This offseason has been strange for everyone because of the league-imposed lockout, but Hester is following the same regimen that he credits for much of his success in 2010. That means he’s spending less time lifting weights and more time training on a track to make sure his legs are in condition to excel as a returner and receiver.

That’s especially important in an offense designed by coordinator Mike Martz that requires receivers to have explosive speed as well as endurance.

‘‘It’s been more running still, more focus on the lower body, just keeping my legs strong and staying in shape,” Hester said Thursday after the first day of his two-day kids camp at Lincoln-Way Central. ‘‘That’s the nature of our offense. The biggest thing is to come back in shape. That’s what me and the guys have been trying to do.’’

Hester has been working out with quarterback Jay Cutler and other offensive skill-position players several times a week for much of the offseason, but he said the mental and physical reps aren’t the same as they would be under the supervision of coaches. Organized team activities and minicamps were cancelled as a result of the lockout.

He also said Cutler is showing no ill effects after tearing his medial collateral ligament in the Bears’ loss to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship Game in January.

‘‘He looks good,’’ Hester said. ‘‘It’s the same Jay.’’

The Bears’ offense must continue to evolve if the team is going to contend for a second straight NFC North title, let alone compete with the defending Super Bowl champion Packers.

Martz’s unit finished 30th in yards and 21st in points last season and was anemic against the Packers in the regular-season finale and the NFC title game, failing to score a touchdown in the six quarters that Cutler played in.

‘‘Their offense struggled with us, too,’’ Hester said. ‘‘They only put up [24 offensive] points against us. It’s a two-way situation. When you have a great defense like they do and like we do, it comes down to two or three big plays in a game that determine the outcome.’’

Hester is confident that when the lockout ends and training camp begins, the offense will benefit from the experience gained under Martz last season.

‘‘The biggest thing is we’re now a year into the system,’’ he said. ‘‘We did actually start clicking toward midseason and throughout, so that was good.

‘‘Now the goal is to finish where we started and really pick it up and be more advanced with it.’’

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(suntimes.com)

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(twitter.com)

If there was an instruction manual for dads, it would be thicker than the NCAA rules book.

Infant car seat installation? Page 36. How to coach Little League without teaching new words to the kids? Chapters 30-40. When it comes to raising the kids, dads can be many different things.

Devin Hester, wide receiver for the Chicago Bears and father to 18-month-old Devin, knows dads can be something else: absent.

As a kid, most of Hester's friends had just their mothers around.

"You see the outcome of how all of them, not one, but all of them, planned their life without a father figure," Hester said. "It really affects the kids as they are growing up."

This realization, along with being a daddy to Devin, motivated Hester to start thinking about what really matters off the football field. He saw what happened to his friends growing up without a father figure, but it wasn't until he had his own son that he realized just how important a father is to a child's development. This offseason, Hester decided to turn this passion into writing a parenting column for Chicago's award-winning parenting magazine, Chicago Parent.

Hester spends a lot of time visiting places around Chicago with Devin, and his parenting column really captures his happiness of being a father. Even though he has a dream job, Hester looks forward to coming home every day.

"Ya know, it's always the same regardless of how my day is going," Hester said, about the joy he finds in seeing little Devin. "It could be a bad day, or a great day, but his expression on his face seeing me walk through the door -- you have to have a son to experience that situation."

Balance is the key for Hester in spending time with Devin. There's "been a lot more time" this summer with the lockout, but Hester still has commitments to his rigorous offseason workouts.

"The biggest thing I do, the thing that really helps me, is I get up early and do it," Hester said. "The time I'm gone is when Devin is asleep. When I get home he's just getting up and eating breakfast, so it's like the day's just started for him."

The workout doesn't really end when he walks in the door. Chasing a toddler around takes a lot of energy. When playing in the living room together, little Devin is able to pick up the half-his-body-size football and throw it pretty far for an 18-month-old. But, the real question is, how's his catching ability?

"He's got a pretty good catch," Hester said. "It seems like he's more into basketball. He loves basketball."

But little Devin's mom, Hester's wife Zingha, has her own ideas about his sports future.

"My wife wants him to play baseball," Hester said, giving Cubs fans a glimmer of hope. "We'll see how that turns out."

For parents, there is one test to find out just how much of the "dirty" work a dad is willing to do.

"I'm cool with changing [diapers]," Hester said. "If I'm home with just me and him, I'll change him, but if it's me and my wife around, I hand him to her and she knocks it out."

While he has goals off the field as a dad, Hester hasn't stopped thinking about what his goals are on the field. When there's football again, Hester will be ready.

"My biggest goal in life is just to make big plays," Hester said. "I kind of see myself as a big playmaker. Whether it be special teams or offense, just be consistent on making big plays throughout the game."

Hester is a star on the field, but he wants his son to remember his legacy in a different way.

"Dad plays football, but more importantly, he is a better superstar to you off the field," Hester said.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(espn.com)

There's still room improvement for Devin Hester on offense. Yes I know I'm stating the obvious, but it fully came to my attention watching the highly popular NFL Network the Top 100 NFL Players of 2011. Being rated the 32nd best player in the NFL by his peers is quite the accomplishment for Hester, but then you have fans and media weighing in on his placement. I have read and heard silly things like Hester is too high on the list, because he's not as good of a receiver as he is a return man; he shouldn't be that high, and even some saying he shouldn't be on the list at all. I totally disagree with all these NFL fans that share this opinion on Hester, and in my opinion these people should be sent to a NFL re-education learning camp in Quebec (Emceed by Rich Eisen). At 28 years old, Devin Hester has a golden opportunity to put the return touchdown record far within reach. Going into his 6th season he still has the speed, combined with his quickness and field vision (his main strengths), so 20+ touchdowns on kick returns or even greater than that is not too far-fetched.  

Although Hester's spot is well deserved, I honestly feel that the darts being thrown his way because of his placement wouldn't have been thrown if the Bears figured out how to use him on offense. Maybe the light has finally went off in GM Jerry Angelo and Head Coach Lovie Smith heads that Hester will never be that elite #1 WR that they envisioned since 2007. Towards the end of last season, Hester snaps at WR were cut down to have him focus more on special teams and get Earl Bennett more opportunities in the passing game. This year we should most likely see Martz's original vision on how he wants to utilize Hester in his scheme. Instead of using him as a primary wide receiver, he could now be used as a versatile weapon in the mode of how Martz used Az Hakim in his system, and how Sean Payton uses Reggie Bush in New Orleans system.

Hester has the potential to be a touchdown machine when you think about his impact on special teams and his potential on offense if used right. From 2007 to 2010, the Bears should have drafted or found a #1 primary receiver and used Hester as a versatile weapon that you can line up all over the field. The good thing is that at 28 years old, they still have time to do this; and if I'm Angelo, I will go hard after a Sidney Rice or Braylon Edwards etc, to help Martz with this vision. The All-Time Return TD record holder was destined for greatness the minute he put on a pair of cleats and football pads. The Bears still have time to fully cement his hall of fame status by using his skills properly.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(windycitygridiron.com)

Devin Hester the 32nd-best player in the NFL? That's where the Chicago Bears receiver/kick returner ranks in the NFL Network's top-100 poll of 415 players, ahead of stars such as teammates Brian Urlacher (No.49 on the list) and Lance Briggs (No. 92).

The network unveiled Nos. 31 through 40 in its "Top 100 Players of 2011" feature on Sunday, with the top 30 players yet to be revealed.

Hester's ranking already has been questioned by Sports Illustrated's esteemed Peter King, who is simultaneously presenting his top-100 list and has Hester nowhere on it.

"Devin Hester at 32 on the players' list?" King writes in his "Monday Morning QB" column on SI.com. "Way too high for me. Outstanding punt returner, but I can't put a guy in my top 100 who, in two seasons as a full-time starter for the Bears, has 97 catches for a pedestrian 12.7-yard average. Antonio Gates is my 32nd-ranked player. He's a tight end. Average per catch in the last two years: 15.0."

King has Urlacher on his list (also at No. 49) and ranks Bears quarterback Jay Cutler as the 85th-best player in the league. Interestingly, Cutler shows up nowhere so far in the players' voting (not surprising given the heat he took from some players after being unable to finish the NFC Championship Game).

Among the other notables on the players' list: Chicago native Donovan McNabb of the Redskins (No. 100), outspoken receiver Terrell Owens (91), former Illinois star Brandon Lloyd of the Broncos (58) and former North Chicago and NIU star Michael Turner of the Falcons (42).


(chicagotribune.com)

In April, Bears return specialist Devin Hester debuted a parenting column in Chicago Parent Magazine. The June issue, which hit shelves last week, features Hester on the cover with his son, Devin Jr.

Hester’s monthly column, called "Hangin’ with Devin," focuses on what he and his son are doing in the off-season in-and-around the Chicago area. So far, Hester and his son have focused on children’s museums, zoos, aquariums, and fun things to do in the Lakeshore area.

The goal of the column is to show the many different things that fathers can do with their children, and to focus on the importance of fatherhood. 

"It's a different kind of responsibility," Hester said. 

"When I'm on the field, I'm a football player and I've got guys who count on me to make the play. But when I leave the locker room, it's family time. I've got a kid counting on me to bring groceries home and spend time with him. He doesn't care about any of that other stuff. 

"I just like to have fun, and to me, there's nothing better than running around with my little man. He's getting big so fast and he's always on the move."

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(chicagobears.com)

It's a privilege to be on the cover of this month's Chicago Parent. Little Devin and I have a lot of fun hanging out together each day, and I'm grateful for the time I get to spend with him.

When I was younger, someone told me that the greatest gift a child could ever receive was time with his or her parents. That's always stuck with me and I do everything I can to not focus so much on what toys I get for Devin, but on how much time I spend with him. That's the most important thing, and the off-season gives me a great opportunity to be with him a lot. I'm thankful for that.

One thing we really enjoy doing with Devin is walking along the lake on Lakeshore Drive. You see the entire world go by, and Devin points to just about everything in his sight.

Navy Pier continues to be one of our favorite destinations because there is so much for Devin to see and do. We probably went down to Navy Pier too late one evening last year because it was past Devin's bedtime, but there was an awesome fireworks display synchronized to music. They do the fireworks displays off Navy Pier every Wednesday and Saturday night.

Another fun place we like to stroll is the Green City Market, located next to the Lincoln Park Zoo. This place is full of locally grown produce. They have all kinds of treats, and Devin hasn't said "no" to many things when we've gone. Once he gets older, I'm sure we'll send Devin to some of the fun events that teach kids about farming. A lot of people picnic down at the market, and it's something we've done, too. I think it surprises some people when they see a Bears player picnicking with his family at the market!

One more thing we might try this year is the Strawberry Festival in Long Grove. It's about 35 miles northwest of Chicago, but it's going to be worth the trip. Devin loves strawberries, and the three-day festival from June 24-26 looks like a lot of fun. They usually get thousands of people visiting the event. They have chocolate-covered strawberries, fruit smoothies, ice cream, strawberry doughnuts and of course, strawberries themselves. I know Devin is going to have fun that weekend.

Devin has a great time in the stroller when we're all together no matter what we do. The walks along Lakeshore are memorable, and I know that's the most important thing.

Devin Hester is a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears. Last season, he set the NFL record for return touchdowns.

(chicagoparent.com)

Devin Hester will be on the cover of the upcoming "Chicago Parent," where he has a column to try to change the stereotypes of NFL stars as absent fathers.


Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(ncbchicago.com)

Comments

We all know the stereotypes about professional athletes: They're not family men. They're showboaters. They're not good role models. The antics of players like the New York Jets' Antonio Cromartie, who has nine children by eight different women, don't do much to promote the idea of an NFL star as a family man.

But for every stereotype, there's someone who sets out to bust it, and Devin Hester has been running through walls most of his five-year, record-setting career with the Chicago Bears.

So when he sat in a meeting last year with a sports marketing team to plan out his future off the field-what sponsorships he wanted to pursue, what type of work he wanted to do outside of football-he came up with an idea of his own.

He was a new father-he and his wife, Zingha, had just welcomed their first child, a son named Devin-and he wanted to be a role model for young dads. He wanted to show fans that for every Cromartie, there's a dad like him, who changes diapers and takes their kids to Yo Gabba Gabba!

And he wanted to start with a parenting magazine in his adopted hometown of Chicago.

You'll find the third installment of that column on page 12 of this issue. "Hangin' with Devin" is a color commentary of Hester's outings around town with 18-month-old Devin. But it's other things, too: a pushback against a stereotype and a playbook of sorts for fathers everywhere to get involved in their kids' lives.

"You don't have to be rich, you don't have to be a star, you just have to be there," Hester says. "It's not about the money. It's about the time you put in."

A role model

Hester's own parents divorced when he was a toddler. But rather than having an absent father figure, Hester says he had two: his own father, who was active in his kids' lives before dying of cancer when Hester was a teenager, and his stepfather, who raised Hester and his brother like they were his own.

Many kids whose stories start with a broken family aren't so lucky, something the Hesters know.

"Devin has some friends who didn't have their fathers around, and he was able to see some of the trouble they had," Zingha says. "He could see for himself the difference it makes to have that man in a young guy's life."

Growing up in a fatherless house has been linked to behavioral problems, struggles in school and run-ins with the law, says David Klow, a psychotherapist with Northwestern University's Family Institute specializing in men's issues. 

"Fathers give us guidance, direction, stability, model a way of living in the world, and without that presence, kids are often left to look for that inspiration out in the world," he says. "Sometimes they get lost."

Klow says he's inspired by Hester's high-profile daddy duty.

"He's really showing what he's about is about family, that he's not into crazy partying, that he's not out getting into trouble," he says. "That's a choice and it can be a hard choice for someone who's that famous and who's pulled in a variety of directions. It takes a certain strength and sense of self to say, 'That's not what I'm about.'"

Instead, Hester is, in his own words, a man focused on family. He and Zingha met during his final year at the University of Miami and married last summer.

"I'm a family guy, a one-lady kind of guy, and I think having strong father figures in my life … it was never going to happen that I was going to be an absent dad," he says.

Zingha says Hester is hands-on when it comes to Devin, who goes by D.J. at home.

"He's excited to be a dad and it shows," she says.

'A different kind of responsibility'

Some dads can point to a singular moment when their fatherhood hit them. No so for Hester-not when Zingha told him she was pregnant, not when he saw the ultrasound, not even when he met his son for the first time. Instead, it was over the first few weeks of his son's life that the feeling crept in, during late night feedings or when young Devin would cry and reach out to him.

"For me, it was realizing that this is someone depending on me, actually reaching out to me, needing my help, needing love, needing me to be a father figure," he says. "That was real."

Not that Hester is a stranger to responsibility. When he lines up to receive a kick, he knows he carries the expectations of himself, his team and his championship-hungry city. But fatherhood is, pardon the pun, a whole different ballgame.

"It's a different kind of responsibility," he says. "When I'm on the field, I'm a football player and I've got guys who count on me to make the play. But when I leave the locker room, it's family time. I've got a kid counting on me to bring groceries home and spend time with him. He doesn't care about any of that other stuff."

And while the uncertainty of the NFL upcoming season has Hester a little on edge these days, he's enjoying the time off with his son. So far, the pair have hit Navy Pier, KeyLime Cove and the aquarium.

"I love Chicago, and you get to see a whole different side of it with a kid," says Hester, who says Bears nights out don't often include cotton candy and Ferris wheels.

If he sounds like he's having as much fun as little Devin, that's because he probably is. In a lot of ways, Hester is still a kid at heart. He has a young boy's love of cars and motorcycles; he restores old cars in his free time. He was one of the first people in line to test out the new Microsoft Kinect video game system when it debuted at the Oakbrook Microsoft retail store last year.

And when he returned a punt 64 yards into the endzone at the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium, becoming the NFL's leader in punts returned for touchdowns, he wanted to thank the 10 guys on the field who blocked his path into history. So he bought them remote-controlled cars.

"I just like to have fun, and to me, there's nothing better than running around with my little man," Hester says. "He's getting big so fast and he's always on the move."

And if genetics have anything to do with it-or if our cover photo shoot is an early indication-little Devin might give his father a run for his money one day.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(chicagoparent.com)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears spent second-round picks on Devin Hester and Matt Forte in 2006 and 2008, respectively. But both players would be chosen a lot higher if those drafts were conducted again today.

At least that’s the belief of ESPN.com’s Rick Reilly, who projects that Hester would be selected eighth overall in a “re-draft,” a leap of 49 spots from where he actually was picked at No. 57. Reilly thinks that Forte would go 13th, a jump of 31 slots from where he was chosen at No. 44.Hester owns the all-time NFL record with 14 kick return touchdowns. He set the single-season mark with five as a rookie, and then eclipsed it with six in his second year.

Last season Hester was named All-Pro for the third time after leading the NFL in punt returns with a career-high and Bears record 17.1-yard average and three TDs. He also topped the NFL in kickoff returns with a 35.6-yard average, but his 12 returns were too few to officially qualify.

While Reilly feels that Hester and Forte would be selected higher in a re-draft than they actually were, the ESPN writer thinks that tight end Greg Olsen and offensive lineman Chris Williams would be chosen lower.

Reilly projects that Olsen would be selected 45th, a drop of 14 spots from where he was picked in 2007 at No. 31; and Williams would be chosen 181st, a fall of 167 slots from where he was chosen in 2008 at No. 14.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(chicagobears.com)

I hope everyone is enjoying the weather. It's been a long winter, but summer is basically here! Chicago is a great place in the summer, especially when you have kids. I'm looking forward to getting out and about with little Devin this summer. We've already taken advantage of some cool things Chicago has to offer.

Little Devin is still pretty little, so we're sort of limited on things we can do, but one thing he's into big time right now is animals. His face lights up when he sees animals of all shapes and sizes, so we decided to take him on a bit of an adventure. Luckily, Chicago is full of great places for your kids to enjoy animals.

Our first stop was Lincoln Park Zoo. This place is awesome, and it's very beautiful near the lakefront. It has storytelling for the little kids in the zoo's farm area, which Devin liked, but he really perked up when we went to the Kovler Lion House and Sea Lion Pool. I'm not sure why the bigger animals got his attention so much, but he was pointing and laughing the whole time we were there.

Another fun place is the Living Sea Aquarium on Devon Ave. (gotta love that name!), in Park Ridge. This place is cool for kids-and adults, too. There are so many different kinds of fish, and so many of them are bright and colorful. When we were there, we got to see a stingray, and they let us help feed him, which is something anyone can do when they visit. Little Devin got to feel a stingray-how cool is that? They also have shark feedings on the weekend, but we weren't around for that.

One other place we took Devin was the Phillips Park Zoo in Aurora. It's a little bit of a drive, but it's so cool for the kids to see. It's free for kids, and they have alligators, foxes, cougars, eagles, wolves and a lot of wildlife. It's very pretty, and the natural habitat for the animals is very cool to see. They also have a skeleton of a dinosaur on display that was discovered in the 1930s in the area that is now known as Mastodon Lake. What a find. Devin was again caught pointing and laughing.

Summertime in Chicago is awesome, and it's a great time to get outside with your kids. The zoos and aquariums in this city are great. As Devin gets older, I know we'll go do things at amusement parks and such, but for now, the animals were great. Go see if your kids pass the pointing and laughing test, too!

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(chicagoparent.com)

Miami Heat star Dwyane Wade is taking his talents to New Lenox again this summer.

Wade, who has put on a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the village the past few summers, will be part of another Big Three this year as New Lenox expands from a tournament to a weekend full of camps and entertainment.

A basketball camp will be put on by Wade, Devin Hester of the Chicago Bears will run a football camp and Jim Peterik of Eye of the Tiger fame will run a music camp. Additionally, hip hop artist Sean Kingston will kick off the July weekend with a concert.

"(Wade) is all about the kids," said New Lenox Mayor Tim Baldermann, who first met Wade while doing personal security for the NBA star. "He is excited to be turning this into more than just a 3-on-3."

Registration is open to everyone, not just New Lenox residents, and must be done on the Procamps website. The camps will be held Thursday and Friday, July 7-8, at Lincoln-Way Central High School. There will also be a carnival in the west lot of the high school that runs all three days of the camp, as well as Sunday. From 1-5 p.m.  Saturday, the village's annual Kids Fest will be moved from the Commons to the high school.

The football camp will be held in the morning, and basketball and music camps will be in the afternoon. Registration for one camp is $199, but if someone wants to register for two camps it only costs $299. The Kingston concert, which will be July 7, costs $20 per ticket.

The football camp is for ages 7-14 while the other two are open to 7- to 18-year-olds. Baldermann said the number of participants will be limited, but the number isn't determined yet and that registration is based on first-come, first-serve.

Baldermann added that the sports and music stars will be present at the camps for the entire weekend to instruct children.

"It's not just a guest appearance and they're gone," Baldermann said. "At the village, we realize out primary function is to improve the quality of life for people. And we like to provide an entertainment value for people as part of that."

More information will be posted on the village's website later this week or early next week.

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(newlenox.patch.com)

Dave Toub was vacationing with family in Belize last week and spent three nights in a grass hut. If the animals in the wild didn’t keep him awake, the NFL’s new kickoff rules did.

The Chicago Bears special teams coordinator is trying to get a handle on how the new rules adopted last month at the NFL owners meeting will impact his unit, which has been one of the league’s highest-ranked since he joined the team in 2004. The Bears were tied for first in the NFL in average starting field position in 2010.

To review, kickoffs have been moved from the 30-yard line to the 35, leading to speculation that touchbacks will skyrocket from 16.38 percent in 2010. There already were 416 touchbacks last season, double the number from 2004. The kickoff team is no longer permitted to get a sprinting start, and all players but the kicker must line up within five yards of the kickoff yard line.

How much change does Toub expect on Sundays in the fall? He says half the kickoffs in the NFL could be touchbacks.

"We’ve invested in a lot of money in Devin (Hester) and our return game and players and they’ve basically devalued that for us," Toub said. "I don’t think there is any question. You’re hurting the teams that are good in the return game and you are rewarding teams that aren’t very good in kickoff coverage. With just the rule change, they got better on kickoff coverage. To me, it’s not real fair. That’s the way it is. We’ll play it out."

Toub and his assistant Kevin O’Dea have kicked around some possibilities but won't know how they will work until they start tinkering with players and formations on the field, which is impossible during the lockout.

"Now we have to adjust to what we think we’re going to get," Toub said. "You kind of rack your brain a little bit. How is it going to change your formation a little bit? How are you going to move back a little bit? Where are you going to set your wedge? What are your rules going to be as far as how deep will you come out with it? All of those different things you have to think about.

"What will the kickers’ mentality be? I think they’re going to try to drive the ball a little bit more. The danger of trying to drive the ball when you’re kicking from the 30 is that if you miss-hit it, you get a line-drive shot at the goal line. That’s very returnable. Now, with the extra five yards, you have a line-drive shot that will go five yards deep (into the end zone).

"So kickers will take more of a chance for kicking touchbacks. That is why I think there are going to be a lot more touchbacks than what people believe. It was almost 17 percent last year. I think it is going to be almost 50 percent touchbacks. I really believe it. For us, in the winter time, we’ll still get our returns, we’ll still get the ball when it gets cold. We’ll catch it right around the goal line or inside the 10.”

Toub’s rule for returners bringing the ball out of the end zone isn’t based on how deep the ball is kicked, but how long it is in the air. That still will apply, but changes will need to be made there too because the coverage team will be five yards closer. How much difference will it make?

"It might offset itself a little bit because they can’t get the running start anymore," Toub said. "That’s like a five-yard difference right there, going full speed when the ball is kicked, so that might offset itself.

"I also think there are going to be more inside-the-20 tackles because teams are going to bring it out of the end zone. Good teams are going to take a chance to come out with it, like us. There is risk/reward with our guys back there."

The Competition Committee pushed through the changes, saying that injuries were the primary impetus, something the Bears haven’t seen much of on kickoffs for the past decade.

"They must have had some numbers (for injuries)," Toub said. "They must have had something. They had to go to the owners and the coaches with something to show there were injuries and concussions. I figured injuries as a whole, maybe there are more pulled hamstrings on kickoffs. There must have been something. I can only assume that they had it broken down and it was mainly concussions they were talking about, hopefully."

A year ago, three-man wedges were eliminated. Talk was the two-man wedge would be eliminated for 2011, but that change was not implemented. While some special teams coaches were forced to adjust in a big way after the three-man wedge was taken out, it didn’t impact the Bears much because they employ more man blocking than zone principles.

While the focus has been mostly on Hester, he returned only 12 kickoffs last season. Of course, he had a 79-yarder and averaged 35.6 yards. Danieal Manning did the bulk of the work for the Bears on kickoffs, getting 33 returns.

How many will the team get with the new rules? It’s impossible to say, but the number will go down. The changes also will devalue top cover men that the Bears have had like Brendon Ayanbadejo, Tim Shaw and Corey Graham. There will be less plays for guys like that to make with Robbie Gould expected to increase his touchbacks from his career-high of 16 last season.

"We’ll see what happens," Toub said.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(chicagobreakingsports.com)

After setting career highs in receptions and receiving yards in 2009, Bears WR Devin Hester's numbers dipped in '10. He made 40 catches for 475 yards, which were his lowest totals in those two statistical categories since he was first moved from defensive back to receiver in '07.

Chicago signed Hester to a contract that paid him like a high-impact receiver before the start of the '08 season, but he hasn't developed into a true No. 1, even though head coach Lovie Smith had insisted that he fit the bill. The Bears have not soured on Hester, though. Smith has said he wants to find ways to get Hester the ball more often next season, but the team is also mindful of keeping him fresh so that he's at full strength while returning kicks, where he always has stood out the most.

The NFL's new kickoff rules could limit Hester's opportunities to return kickoffs, but his punt-return chances will not be affected, and 10 of his NFL-record 14 career TD returns have come off of punts.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(profootballweekly.com)

I was among the reporters who sat with Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith earlier this month at the NFL owners meeting. During my drop-in, the conversation centered on the Bears' offensive line and receivers. More than anything, I walked away surprised that after four years, the Bears are still searching for how to maximize and ration Devin Hester's playing time.

As you know, Hester resurrected himself as the most feared return man in the game last season after two quiet years devoted mostly to playing receiver. On the flip side, his per-game average for receptions dropped from 4.3 in 2009 to 2.5. His yardage average dropped almost 30 yards per game, from 58 to 29.

That dip in production came even as Hester played on 66 percent of the Bears' snaps, the second-highest total among the team's receivers, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Unofficially, the Bears targeted Hester on only 68 of the 646 total plays he was on the field for.

That's the pivot point Smith said he hopes to address this offseason. He didn't put it in so many words, but if I had to read the tea leaves, it would go something like this: More targets, less plays.

"I would like to see us find a way to get him the ball more maybe in certain situations," Smith said. "That's probably what we're looking at more than just reps, more what we're doing with him on his reps out there. So to take away some of his reps and get him involved in the ones where he's out there, probably that more than anything."

Hopefully for Hester and the Bears, that shift will be the final stroke of the yo-yo that has defined his past few seasons. I, for one, would have no problem with Hester seeing fewer offensive snaps in 2011. Rare is the player who can maintain elite status in one aspect of the game while playing full-time in another. Prioritizing the return game makes all the sense in the world for him, especially if the Bears can follow through on Smith's hope to acquire a big receiver to complement the current group. Using Hester as a full-time returner and part-time receiver has always seemed the most prudent road to me.

At the beginning of this experiment, the Bears acknowledged no correlation between Hester's playing time on offense and his success as a returner. I asked Smith if he now believes there is one.

"You can always make an argument for that," he said. "I just don't know."

Ultimately, Smith said, "Devin really helped us a lot offensively" last season, even if it came through field position and/or touchdowns gained from his returns.

"Whether it's special teams, whether it's offense, that shouldn't be a major part of the discussion," Smith added.

I'm in total agreement. Let's hope we're not having the same discussion next season.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(espn.com)

It comes off as stating the obvious, but perhaps Chicago Bears coach Lovie Smith is on to something when stressing the need to get the ball more to receiver Devin Hester.

Arguably the most dangerous threat in pro football with the ball in his hands, Hester is scheduled to receive a $10 million roster bonus in 2012 after earning $1.58 million in base salary for the 2011 season. So while it might be premature to ponder the financial implications, perhaps -- frankly put -- it’s time for Hester to earn the money.

Despite Hester’s already record-breaking contributions, receivers averaging 42 catches for 549 yards over four years don’t receive such lucrative bonuses. Nor do return specialists, regardless how electric.

“He didn’t get into the mix as [a receiver] as much as he would have liked [during the 2010 season],” Smith said. “I liked what he was able to do in the return game. I just think it’s hard sometimes balancing the both of them. I know he’s a dangerous guy with his hands on the ball. It’s up to us to try to find more ways to give him the football.”

Increased snaps on offense aren’t necessarily the way to go, Smith said, before mentioning the team already has several weapons in running back Matt Forte, tight end Greg Olsen, and receivers Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett. Hester finished the season ranked No. 1 in the NFL in punt return average (17.1 yards, which was also ninth-best in NFL history) and caught 40 passes for 475 yards. He ranks fourth in league history in punt return average (12.4 yards).

In becoming just the 10th player in league history to gain 2,000 combined career yards receiving and on punt and kickoff returns, Hester finished 2010 with 564 yards on punt returns and 427 on kickoffs.

So increasing his snap count on offense could cause more harm than good to Hester’s bid to make meaningful contributions in the return game. Smith wasn’t sure whether there was a correlation between Hester’s snaps on offense and how he performed on special teams.

But that appears to be the case.

Interestingly, Hester’s three most impactful performances in the return game of 2010 (Sept. 27 against Green Bay, Oct. 17 against Seattle and Dec. 20 at Minnesota) netted 332 yards on seven returns for three touchdowns, but he caught a combined five passes for 55 yards. On the flip side, Hester hauled in 10 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns in his three best receiving games in terms of yardage (Sept. 19 against Dallas, Nov. 28 against Philadelphia and Dec. 26 against the New York Giants), while contributing just 160 yards on seven punt and kickoff returns for no TDs.

“You can always make an argument for that. I just don’t know,” Smith said. “I just know Devin really helped us a lot offensively. Offensively, I’m talking about the offensive part of special teams, too. I know there was a major change in his production to just help us put points on the board last year. I was pleased with that. How [that happens], whether it’s [on] special teams, offense, that shouldn’t be a major part of the discussion.”

What seems germane, however, is how the team can apply Hester’s talents in the most impactful way to essentially, receive the most bang for its buck.

It’s something the Bears will study throughout the offseason and continue to experiment with once the NFL lockout comes to a close.

“You know, the snaps part, I would like to see us find a way to get him the ball more maybe in certain situations. That’s what we’re probably looking at more so than probably just reps. [It’s] more of what we’re doing with him on his reps out there,” Smith said. “So to take away some of his reps and be able to get him involved more on the ones he’s out there, [we’d like to do that] probably more than anything.”

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(espn.com)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – In what should come as a surprise to no one, Bears Pro Bowl return specialist Devin Hester doesn’t like the NFL’s new rule moving kickoffs up from the 30-yard line to the 35.

“It could hinder us a little bit because we dwell on good field position,” Hester told “Waddle and Silvy” on ESPN 1000 in Chicago. “That’s one of our key assets to our offense, the return game giving the offense good field position. And not only giving good field position, but we’re trying to put points on the board when it comes to the return game. I think it’s going to hurt us.”

The new rule, which was passed by NFL owners at league meetings Tuesday in New Orleans, figures to be a major disadvantage for the Bears. Last season they led the NFL with 10 kickoff returns of at least 40 yards and tied for first with an average starting position following kickoffs at their own 31.5-yard line.

Bears president and CEO Ted Phillips, general manager Jerry Angelo, coach Lovie Smith and special teams coordinator Dave Toub all voiced their opposition to moving kickoffs up five yards to the 35. The rule later passed by a 26-6 vote with the Bears among the teams voting against it.
“I can’t believe we’re even talking about that,” Smith told reporters Tuesday morning before the vote was taken. “It’s the most exciting play in the game. We’re totally against the rule.”

Five of the Bears’ eight longest kickoff returns in 2010 may have resulted in touchbacks had the ball been kicked from the 35 instead of the 30. Hester had returns of 68 and 46 yards that he caught two yards deep in the end zone and at the goal line; Danieal Manning had returns of 62 and 44 yards that originated at the goal line and one yard deep in the end zone; and Johnny Knox had a 42-yarder that he hauled in five yards deep in the end zone.

“They’ve gone too far. They’re taking the whole fun out of the game,” Hester said. “The fans come out, especially in Chicago, to see returns. That’s one of our key assets to our team. Fans love our big returns. Not only do they kick it out of bounds when it’s time to punt the ball. But now they get this advantage on kickoffs where we felt we were guaranteed a kickoff return. Now you’re taking that away from our return game. The return game is out of the picture.”

Hester owns the all-time NFL record with 14 combined kick return touchdowns. Last season his 35.6-yard average on kickoff returns was tops in the league, although his 12 returns weren’t enough to officially qualify for the honor.

Since 2008, Manning leads the NFL with 17 kickoff returns of at least 40 yards and also ranks fourth over that span with a 27.1-yard average. Knox ranks second with a 27.7-yard average. Hester and Knox both have been voted to the Pro Bowl as return specialists, while Manning led the NFL in kickoff returns in 2008 with a 29.7-yard average.

Opponents have attempted high and short “pooch” kickoffs with varying degrees of success against the Bears. But Hester feels those could be a thing of the past because all NFL kickers are capable of reaching the end zone from the 35.

“What they’ve been doing is blooping them up in the air and giving their defenders enough time to get down the field to make a tackle,” Hester said. “Now that they’ve got the five-yard rule, it’s even easier for them to kick it into the end zone.”

The Bears may counteract that tactic by bringing kickoffs out from deep in the end zone, something they already do seemingly as much as any other team.

“From Day 1 if they kick a line drive and there’s not a certain amount of hang time on the ball, we’re [not prohibited from] taking it out,” Hester said. “The coaches give us the green light to do it. But at the same time that’s going to be real tough for returners.”

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(chicagobears.com)

Devin Hester joined ESPN Radio Chicago to talk about what he thinks about the new kickoff rules, if the new rule will hurt Bears as a team, and whether the NFL has gone too far with this rule change.

What he thinks about the new kickoff rules:
“Actually I have been down here in Miami practicing on my leg because I got a strong feeling that I’m not going to get any returns, so I said, ‘Hey let me try to do the kickoff to keep a job going’ but to be honest they might as well put up the arena nets, man, cause it’s going to be a lot of balls going in the endzone, man.”

How many kickers can keep him from returning kicks for touchdowns:
“I think all of them are capable of doing it.  It is just that a lot of kickers have just been bloopin’ kicking, you know not really trying to force them into the endzone because they know we are going to bring them out.  So what they have been going to be doing is blooping them up in the air and giving their defenders enough time to at least try to make a tackle, and now they have the five-yard rule where they put them up 5 yards and now it is just easier for them to kick it in the endzone.”

Whether he is going to be more inclined to return a ball five yards deeper into the endzone:
“I have but I heard that if it goes in the endzone it is automatically a touchback…  I mean, we are the type of team that we have the green light from day one that you know if they kick a line drive and it is not a certain amount of hangtime that we are capable of taking it out, and the coaches give us the green light to do it, but at the same time that is going to be real tough for returners.”

If the new rule will hurt Bears as a team:
“I think it could hinder us a little, you know, because we dwell off good field position.  That is one of our key assets to our offense; a good return game giving the offense good field position and not only giving them good field position , but we kind of do put points on the board when it comes to return game.  And that right there I think is going to hurt us a bit and really grow up on this new rule and really take it serious.”

Whether the NFL has gone too far with this rule change:
“Yeah they have gone too far.  They are changing the whole fun of the game.  The fans come out to see, especially to Chicago, to see returns. That is one of our key assets to our team, fans dwell on our big returns and taking that out the game, not only do they now kick it out of bounds when it is time to punt the ball but now you get this advantage on kickoffs, you know where we thought we were guaranteed a kickoff and now you are taking that away from our return game, now it is like you are taking the whole return game out the picture.”

If he expects to be playing football on September 8th:
“I feel 100% sure that we are going to play this year.  I don’t think this world will revolve without any football.  This is what keeps this world going, I feel, the fans dwell on football season and the day that a season ends they start talking about next year.  So I don’t think they are going to allow this to carry out before the season starts up.”

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(sportsradiointerviews.com)

NEW ORLEANS -- Unlike Chicago Bears general manager Jerry Angelo the day before, coach Lovie Smith didn't mince words Tuesday when expressing his disdain for proposed changes to the kickoff rules.

The proposal passed Tuesday when NFL owners voted to move kickoffs up to the 35-yard line starting next season. Touchbacks will remain at the 20-yard line.

Although the NFL's competition committee proposed modifications to increase player safety, Smith pointed out that the Bears have experienced only one injury -- a sprained ankle -- on kickoff or kickoff returns in the last two years.

"You just wonder how did we get to this point?" Smith said before the rule passed. "First off, I can't believe we're really talking about it, the most exciting play in football. You would think we would want to keep that in.

"We would work as hard as we could to try to make it safer, but to eliminate that to me is just kind of tearing up the fiber of the game a little bit. Yeah, we have a great returner. But that's a big part of the game. Our fans are probably more interested in coming there to see Devin Hester running a ball back as opposed to seeing a kicker kick it out of the end zone with no action."

The original changes to kickoff rules proposed by the competition committee would have moved the starting point on kickoffs from the 30-yard line to the 35, moved touchbacks from the 20 to the 25 and eliminated all wedge-blocking schemes.

The competition committee tweaked the original proposal after widespread opposition Monday from coaches. Teams can continue to use two-men wedges.

The proposal was designed to increase the number of touchbacks and decrease the number of injuries on kick returns. The Bears are one of just eight teams in 2010 to have 10 touchbacks or fewer (5), and their touchback percentage (7.6) was third-lowest in the NFL.

The teams voted on the measure Tuesday, and the proposal needed a 75-percent yes vote from ownership to pass.

Hester is disappointed by the rule change.

"They're going too far. They're changing the whole fun of the game," Hester said Tuesday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "Fans come out -- especially in Chicago -- to see returns. That's one of the key assets to the team. Fans [like] our big returns. You take that out of the game, not only do they kick it out of bounds when it's time to punt the ball, now you get the disadvantage on kickoffs. We felt we were guaranteed [a chance] on kickoff returns and now you're taking that away, it's like you're taking the whole return game out of the picture."

Hester is considered by many to be the best return man to ever play in the NFL. Meanwhile, his return partner, Danieal Manning, leads the league since 2008 in kickoff returns of 40 yards or more.

"You know how I'm gonna respond to the question," Smith said before the vote. "We're totally against the rule. Teams that don't have a good returner, of course they're not for it. I know we're talking about player safety, but I don't know if that's making the game safer by eliminating [it]. You can say that about every pass play. Every play where there's a little contact you could say that. OK, yeah, I'm biased. [But] talking with our trainers, the last couple of years, we've had one ankle sprain on our kickoff return and kickoff team. So we haven't had injury."

Smith pointed out the potential for increased emphasis on strong-legged kickers that blast the kickoff out of the end zone.

"I'm all for making the game safer, but this seems like it's more than that. Before long, we'll start putting the ball on the 20-yard line -- starting the game that way -- and eliminating the play. That's what you're doing," Smith said. "You're putting more emphasis on the kicker. I like seeing our kicker Robbie Gould go out -- but to kick field goals -- not necessarily him being the focal point on the kickoff. For the fans, it's about the excitement of the game. That's an important play in our game."

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(espn.com)

The NFL Competition Committee met Monday in New Orleans to propose a host of rules changes, one of which is a plan to move kickoffs up to the 35-yard line from the 30. The theory is that the shorter distance will lead to more touchbacks, which will cut down on the violent impacts that lead to injuries for special-teams players.

Hester is a key weapon in Chicago's attack, using his speed and elusiveness to create game-changing plays. The 28-year-old has an NFL-record 14 kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns since entering the league in 2006.

"I see the NFL is trying to take the kickoff game out," Hester tweeted Sunday. "They already punt out of bounds. What's next?"

Bears general manager Jerry Angelo told the Chicago Sun-Times that the opposition to the potential change goes beyond his team's interests.
"It's not just because of Devin Hester," Angelo said. "It's because it's one of the most exciting plays in football."

Bears president Ted Phillips said the team will listen to the committee's pitch on the rule change but doesn't expect to get behind it.

"With our return game being such a big part of our offense, I would tend to think we would vote against it," Phillips told the Chicago Tribune on Sunday. "There are some aspects to the proposal, including the elimination of the two-man wedge and having all the players except the kicker no more than 5 yards behind the ball, that would be more acceptable than moving the kickoff to the 35."

NFL owners will vote on the proposal Tuesday.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(nfl.com)

If you’re seeking advice on how to break a tackle to see daylight, then Bears return specialist Devin Hester is an obvious choice to hit up for some how to.

But parenting tips?

Apparently the three time Pro Bowler has some intelligence in that department as well.

Hester, who has a year-and-a-half old son Devin Jr. with his wife Zingha, is using some of his downtime to pen a column for Chicago Parent magazine about his favorite places to bring the little guy in and around the city.

“The fathers who are leaning toward not being a father figure, I want to let them know being in your son’s life in the most important thing for the first 13 to 15 years,” Hester told the AP. “Those are the key years. The things a father did when he was young, a young child wants to know.”

Hester also gave some background on his own upbringing, saying that he felt lucky to have had two male father figures in his childhood, between his biological father, who died of cancer when he was 10, and also his step-father who coaxed him into football after his father’s death.

Hester regularly shares pictures and videos of his young son on his twitter account.

Hester’s first Chicago Parent column called “Hangin’ with Devin” will run in April.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(nfl.com)

The two favourite hobbies once listed by Joe McGrath on an old background form are eating and sleeping. One of the books he read in college was The Automatic Millionaire.

Former teammates used to call him "Peter Griffin," thanks to an apparent likeness to the mythical character on Family Guy.

He received a college scholarship to play on the offensive line at the University of Miami, which would be a big deal even for an American teenager, but seemed more improbable given McGrath grew up in Moose Jaw, Sask. At one point, he had it all.

McGrath worked hard and lived life harder, and was typical of many non-imports who play his position, convinced he would have a CFL job for as long as he wanted because he was big and could block. Ten days ago, all of it went away.

Not only was he out of work, released by the Edmonton Eskimos, but coach Richie Hall said he was too soft when he sent McGrath packing.
It was one thing to be released; something entirely different to have a reputation formed because of what a former employer thought of your performance, and the only job prospect was a practice roster offer.

It's not hard to be humble now.

There's a better than reasonable chance, given the deplorable state of the offensive line of the B.C. Lions, that a tentative first step of practice roster work will become more concrete and the 29-year-old guard/ tackle will eventually be worked into the rotation.

If it happens, it will complete McGrath's tour of all four Western Division teams and allow him to continue a seven-year CFL career.

What it will also do is enable McGrath to change the things not only Hall said needed to be fixed but reinforced by Lions coach/GM Wally Buono. And it will also enable McGrath to prove there's more to him than being a Canadian lineman who only has a job because of his passport. "I have a reputation and I think I have to repair it, but I also know my skills," McGrath said Saturday.

"Sometimes you need a kick in the butt because you take things for granted and Wally has given me a kick in the butt. Yes, I need to hustle more, but I want to live up to my full potential and not what others think of my potential."

It had been some time since McGrath had been forced to confront reality.

At Miami, McGrath was at a school which won an NCAA championship in 2001. It meant a party hearty lifestyle, an instant NFL opportunity for many of his teammates and almost a guaranteed CFL job.

"Whether you are a Division One football player and have a lot of opportunity or you're at high school, you think the world is easy," said Sherko Haji-Rasouli, a Miami linemate of McGrath and another player who understood his physical gifts and the role they would play in eventually landing him work with the Lions.

"The fact you're at Miami and have great business opportunities, you definitely had the feeling things are fine and dandy. It's just coincidence Joe is a goofy, play-hard type of guy. I love making fun of him."

McGrath was savvy enough to understand the leverage gained by being a Canadian lineman when he left the Eskimos prior to last season after five years and signed as a free agent with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

But he demanded a trade five days later, costing the Eskimos a first-round draft pick this year to get him back from the Riders. And any remaining equity expired with the Eskimos' 1-6 start.

A player who had his football career seemingly well in order was suddenly surrounded by his father, Joe Sr., who cut short a Las Vegas vacation and flew home to Edmonton to help his son try to figure out what to do next.

The Lions may not represent a last chance but they are the first team willing to give him a platform to present a different side of himself.
"People are going to put you down, and I know I got a bad rep. But 90 per cent of it is false and I know I've got a lot of years left," McGrath said. "I'm always going to have my confidence."

It may not be easy to take Miami out of a Moose Jaw boy but if humility is the goal it helps if you are down to perhaps your last chance.



(theprovince.com)

Without question, Devin Hester returned to form this past year to take sole possession of the return touchdown record from Brian Mitchell, and if we were paying him solely to be a returner, it would still be money well spent. However, there are often undercurrents and discussion about Hester's worth as a receiver, specially in relation to his contracted salary. We're going to take a quick look at not only how much Hester is set to make, but how much he has already made, and what his salary looks like in relation to other number two receivers in the league.

First things first, courtesy of Rotoworld, a quick overview of his contract signed in '08

Signed a four-year, $40.975 million contract extension through 2013. The deal contains $15 million guaranteed, including a $5 million signing bonus and $5 million roster bonuses in both the second and third years. Another $18.939 million is available through performance-based escalators. $250,000 annual workout bonuses are also available. 2011: $1.5835 million, 2012: $1.646 million, 2013: $1,857,523 (+ $10 million "deescalating" roster bonus), 2014: Free Agenten

To help us get a better grasp on exactly what that all means, and what it looks like actually applied to the cap, USA Today helps us along.

SEASON	TEAM	BASE SALARY	SIGN BONUS	CAP VALUE	SALARY	POSITION
2009	Chicago Bears	$ 550,000		$ 6,885,833	$ 5,750,000	Wide Receiver
2008	Chicago Bears	$ 445,000	$ 5,000,000	$ 1,628,333	$ 5,492,500	Wide Receiver

So, taking a look at all these numbers, what can we take from them just from these glances? Those performance-based escalators that are mentioned were wide receiver based escalators, so if he is having number two caliber seasons, it's incredibly unlikely that he will be hitting many, if any of them. This past year was the last year for his five million a year roster bonus, so if we have football next year he'll be effectively making 1.6 million dollars a year, plus whatever bonuses he's earned. Now lets take a look at his receiving stats last year, and see exactly where he ranked.

2010 Stats From ESPN

PLAYER	TEAM	REC	TAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	20+	YDS/G
Devin Hester, WR	CHI	40	73	475	11.9	4	39	4	29.7

Considering the lack of ability to throw the deep ball, generally seen as Hester's strongest asset, his numbers were in line with what I would expect. These are the numbers earned though, so that is what we will work with in determining his worth. I'm going to just pick three guys that have some form of name recognition, and have fairly comparable stats from last year.

First up, Jerricho Cotchery.

PLAYER	TEAM	REC	TAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	20+	YDS/G
Jerricho Cotchery, WR	NYJ	41	87	433	10.6	2	49	3	30.9

So, we've got one more reception with about 15 more targets, less yards, lower average, fewer touchdowns, but about the same. His salary info?

Rotoworld:

2011: $1.8 million, 2012: $2 million, 2013: Free Agent

Roughly the same yearly salary now, and with the balance of the difference in their overall contracts are fairly negligible because they are almost entirely in incentives that aren't hittable for Devin as long as he stays at his current level of production.

Next up on the hit parade? Roy Williams.

PLAYER	TEAM	REC	TAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	20+	YDS/G
Roy Williams, WR	DAL	37	64	530	14.3	5	63	11	35.3

Fewer receptions, but fewer targets, and more overall yards. Higher average, more TD, and more yards per game. I'd say Roy was more productive than Hester. Now, how much is he making?

Rotoworld:

2010 base salary. 2010: $3,452,629 (+ $9.5 million guaranteed option bonus), 2011: $5,109,971, 2012: $6.802 million, 2013: $8.498 million (Voidable Years), 2014: $9 million, 2015: Free Agent

Wow, this is probably the worst example of a guy actually being overpaid that I will show. Even without drilling down to figure out the numbers including the guaranteed option bonus he's making almost double what Hester is, for a slight amount more production. 
Last up, Lee Evans.

PLAYER	TEAM	REC	TAR	YDS	AVG	TD	LONG	20+	YDS/G
Lee Evans, WR	BUF	37	82	578	15.6	4	54	9	44.5

Lee Evans, also known as one of the only reasons to pay attention to the Bills the last few years, is here in all of his glory. Less receptions, on more targets. More yards, for a higher average. One more TD, with a higher average per game. I'd say Evans is probably a better receiver than Hester in most years, so what does his contract look like?

Rotoworld:

Signed a four-year, $37.25 million contract extension through 2012. The deal contains $18.25 million guaranteed, including a first-year salary of $11,730,770 and a $3 million roster bonus in year three. Another $3 million is available through incentives. 2011-2012: $3.275 million (+ $1 million roster bonuses), 2013: Free Agent

Again, his yearly salary without taking into account bonuses is almost double what Devin Hester's is, even without the bonuses being taken into account. Suffice to say, Evans isn't nearly the rip off that Williams is, but he's still more costly than Hester or Cotchery.

So without even taking into account what an asset Hester is on special teams, he's actually a fairly respectable bargain in the high dollar world of wide receivers in the NFL. The next time someone starts screaming that Hester is overpaid and needs to produce more, be sure to tell them that he might need to produce more, but he sure isn't overpaid. 

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(windycitygridiron.com)

Chicago Bears kick returner Devin Hester -- who set the NFL record for career kick and punt returns for touchdowns this season with 14 -- said in a radio interview that he hopes to add many more return TDs to his resume.

In an interview with ESPN Chicago (courtesty of SportsRadioInterviews), Hester said that though he only thinks he'll play another five or six years in the league, he wants to add "at least 15 more returns (for touchdowns)" to his NFL-record total.

"You know when all my days are up I'm hoping to add 5 or 6 more," Hester said.

The host interrupted, saying "That's it? I have that penciled in for next season."

Hester continued: "You know the game is pretty brutal. I'm starting to have kids and I want to be able to kind of play around with them when they get old enough. I don't think I can take a lot of hits. I'm looking forward to about 5-6 more years on my contract to play this game and you know like you say, 'This year…coming into this season we have 5 down and then'… I want to add about when it's all said and done at least 15 more returns."

If there's someone who can do it, Hester is probably the man. Hester's 14 return touchdowns (10 punt, 4 kickoff) have come in just 73 career games, while the man's record he broke -- Brian Mitchell -- took 223 games to amass his 13 return touchdowns.

Hester was also asked about the criticism that Bears QB Jay Cutler faced after he was taken out of the NFC Championship game against the Packers. Hester said if you want to blame someone, blame the team doctors who held him out, not Cutler.

"It's tough, you know, nobody really doesn't know how painful that situation was for him (Cutler). With the knee injury you have minor sprain or you can have a real bad sprain, so you can't, you know, predict how painful it was. It's tough. Only the person can tell. That is the person it happened to, so like I say I think he wanted to go, but the doctors forced him out so … anybody that they [the media] need to point the finger to should be the doctor in question. He (Cutler) shouldn't get all the criticism."

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(usatoday.com)

OFFENSE
Quarterback-Tom Brady, New England.
Running Backs-Jamaal Charles, Kansas City; Arian Foster, Houston.
Fullback-Vonta Leach, Houston.
Tight End-Jason Witten, Dallas.
Wide Receivers-Roddy White, Atlanta; Reggie Wayne, Indianapolis.
Tackles-Jake Long, Miami; Joe Thomas, Cleveland.
Guards-Logan Mankins, New England; Jahri Evans, New Orleans.
Center-Nick Mangold, New York Jets.
Kicker-Billy Cundiff, Baltimore.
Kick Returner-Devin Hester, Chicago.
---
DEFENSE
Ends-Julius Peppers, Chicago; John Abraham, Atlanta.
Tackles-Haloti Ngata, Baltimore; Ndamukong Suh, Detroit.
Outside Linebackers-Clay Matthews, Green Bay; James Harrison, Pittsburgh.
Inside Linebacker-Patrick Willis, San Francisco; Jerod Mayo, New England.
Cornerbacks-Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland; Darrelle Revis, New York Jets.
Safeties-Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh; Ed Reed, Baltimore.
Punter-Shane Lechler, Oakland.
---
SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
Quarterback-Vacant.
Running Backs-Michael Turner, Atlanta; Adrian Peterson, Minnesota.
Fullback-Ovie Mughelli, Atlanta.
Tight End-Antonio Gates, San Diego.
Wide Receivers-Brandon Lloyd, Denver; Calvin Johnson, Detroit, and Dwayne Bowe, Kansas City (tie).
Tackles-Jason Peters, Philadelphia; Sebastian Vollmer, New England.
Guards-Chris Snee, New York Giants; Carl Nicks, New Orleans.
Center-Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh.
Kicker-David Akers, Philadelphia.
Kick Returner-Leon Washington, Seattle.
---
DEFENSE
Ends-Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants; Justin Tuck, New York Giants.
Tackles-Vince Wilfork, New England; Kyle Williams, Buffalo.
Outside Linebackers-Cameron Wake, Miami; DeMarcus Ware, Dallas.
Inside Linebackers-Brian Urlacher, Chicago; Ray Lewis, Baltimore.
Cornerbacks-Devin McCourty, New England; Charles Woodson, Green Bay.
Safeties-Nick Collins, Green Bay; and Antrel Rolle, New York Giants, Eric Weddle, San Diego, Malcolm Jenkins, New Orleans, Quintin Mikell, Philadelphia, Chris Harris, Chicago, Michael Huff, Oakland, Michael Griffin, Tennessee, and Darren Sharper, New Orleans (tie).
Punter-Mat McBriar, Dallas.



(miamiherald.com)

The Chicago Bears may have had the two best kick returners in NFL history in Gale Sayers and Devin Hester.

Sayers would endorse that comment, as long as you name them in that order.

In an appearance on ESPN’s Mike and Mike in the Morning, Sayers was asked whether he or Hester was more dangerous with the ball in his hands. Sayers chose himself.

“It has to be me,” Sayers said. “I ran from the line of scrimmage also. Remember that. I ran from the line of scrimmage.”

Sayers has a point there: He led the NFL in rushing in 1966 and 1969, and he led the league in yards per carry and yards per game in 1968, although he didn’t win the rushing title because he missed five games. Hester has never been nearly that kind of offensive threat.

But as a pure returner? Well, Sayers is the only player in NFL history to average more than 30 yards a kickoff return in his career, and he seems to think he tops Hester there, too.

“I ran back punt returns and kickoff returns and I played a pretty good game,” Sayers said.

But Sayers made clear that he’s not knocking Hester.

“Devin is a super young man,” Sayers said. “He’s done a great job running back punts and kickoffs. I would not kick to him. I would find some kind of way to kick down the sideline because if he gets his hands on the ball he is so quick and so fast. . . . I think they will kick away from him.”
Even if Hester is only the second-best return man in Bears history.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(profootballtalk.com)

CHICAGO -- Leading up the Bears' regular-season finale in Green Bay, Devin Hester made it abundantly clear he wanted to knock the Packers out of the playoffs.

Although the Bears put up a valiant effort, Green Bay won the game, qualified for the postseason, and after impressive road victories over Philadelphia and New Orleans, will travel to Soldier Field to take on the Bears in the NFC Championship Game.

"It's the biggest rival game in history," Hester said. "It's our third time playing them this year. They won one, we won one. We got to break to tie.

"I've won in the playoffs before. We got one down, two to go. This year, we got to win [the Super Bowl]."

Hester and rest of the Bears' receivers now face the daunting task of breaking through against a physical and talented Packers secondary. Jay Cutler passed for only 168 yards in that Week 17 meeting at Lambeau Field, while Hester and Johnny Knox combined for only one catch for 16 yards. The only receiver who found success was Rashied Davis, who filled in for the injured Earl Bennett, and hauled in seven receptions.

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(espn.com)

Bears special teams coordinator Dave Toub said he saw the NFL's all-time leader in kick-return touchdowns, Devin Hester, temporarily lose faith in himself before his rebirth this season as the league's best ever.

After returning 11 punts or kickoffs for touchdowns in 2006 and '07, his first two seasons in the league, Hester was blanked in '08 and '09. Toub said the lack of success made Hester doubt himself.

“I felt him pressing,” Toub said. “You could feel it in games. He would try to create things that weren't there instead of trusting the return. Sometimes he would abort. If we had a right call he would stop and say, ‘I saw something left.' He'd try to do it all on his own sometimes.”

Toub said Hester rededicated himself to the return game last off-season and during training camp last summer, and the result was 3 more punt-return touchdowns in the regular season, giving him 14 kick-return touchdowns and pushing him past record holder Brian Mitchell's 13.

“He's trusting his blockers now,” Toub said. “He knows he's going to have room when we do our job; he's going to have room to get started. I think that's the biggest thing that's helped him.”

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(dailyherald.com)

Devin Hester said he expects more opportunities to return punts now that the postseason has arrived.

‘‘It’s playoff time — you can’t afford to give up good field position,’’ said Hester, who returned a punt 89 yards for a touchdown in the Bears’ loss to the Seattle Seahawks in October. ‘‘I expect that out of coaches. In playoff situations, you give up good field position, you put yourself in a bad predicament. You don’t want to do that in playoff time.’’

Hester won’t be the only one creating worries. Seahawks kick returner Leon Washington has returned three kickoffs for touchdowns this season.

Of Hester, Bears coach Lovie Smith said, ‘‘Eventually, you have to kick it to him. I just don’t see how you can go an entire game without it. I’m told that they plan on doing it. We don’t see any other way.’’

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(suntimes.com)

Every week, every coach of every team getting ready to face the Bears faces the same question: Will you kick to Devin Hester?

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll got the question and said he doesn’t see what choice he has.

“We’ve got to kick the ball to him,” Carroll said on ESPN 1000. “There’s nothing we can do about it. We’d like to not [punt], though. That would help us.”

In other words, Carroll isn’t willing to just kick the ball out of bounds on every kickoff and hand the Bears the ball at the 40-yard line, so Hester is going to get the chance to return some kickoffs.

Not that Carroll is looking forward to seeing the ball in Hester’s hands.

“You have to be very disciplined about the way you play him,” Carroll said. “He’s just too good. And he’s so explosive. So we’re going to do a great job, I hope, of covering and placing the ball where we want to and doing all the things that you need to do so we can maximize our chance of slowing him down.”

"He's a great player that has done everything you can do," Carroll said of Hester. "We've got to respect that. We like our special-teams efforts. We know that our guys can play, and we're gonna do the best things we can do to deal with him [and] all of the impact he can bring to the game. So we're ready for it."

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(profootballtalk.com)

Bears defensive end Julius Peppers and return specialist Devin Hester on Wednesday were named to the Sporting News’ NFL All-Pro team. The squad was chosen by a panel of 50 NFL coaches and executives.

Hester led the NFL in punt returns with a career-high and Bears-record 17.1-yard average and three touchdowns. In a division-clinching win over the Vikings Dec. 20 in Minnesota, he set an all-time league record with his 14th career kick return TD when he brought back a punt 64 yards.

Hester also topped the NFL in kickoff returns with a 35.6-yard average, but his 12 returns were shy of the required 20 returns needed to officially qualify in the league rankings.

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(chicagobears.com)

Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll landed tons of blue-chip recruits during his time at Southern California, but admits one slipped through the cracks.

The coach could receive yet a crude reminder of one of the recruits who got away Sunday in the NFC Divisional playoffs if Devin Hester does a repeat performance of his punt return for a TD in Week 6. Hester expressed his disappointment with Carroll for not recruiting him both verbally and later with the 89-yard punt return during Oct. 17 matchup between the teams.

"Yeah, matter of fact he mentioned that during pre-game, and I tried to cool him down because I didn't want him to take it out on us," Carroll said Wednesday. "Yeah, we missed him somehow, and I've asked around since then because I missed him. I couldn't remember what happened in the recruiting because he came all the way from Florida. But he reminded me that he played in the California-Florida All-Star game, and was player of the game, and I should have known that. We just missed him. That's how it goes sometimes."

Hester, who played collegiately at Miami, broke the NFL's record for combined punt and kick-return TDs (14) in Week 15 with a 64-yard burst against the Minnesota Vikings that also tied Eric Metcalf's record for punt-return TDs (10).

"The amount of excitement Devin Hester has generated over the years by proving he's the best ever -- that lights up the stadium, it lights up an audience, it lights up everybody just because you know it can happen," Carroll said. "So that factor's a great factor to have on your team. I can't imagine with all of the touchdowns he made, the impact he has had on so many games."

Hester also finished the regular season leading the NFL in punt-return average (17.1), which ranks as the best average in team history, and ninth in league history.

Carroll jokingly blamed current USC coach Lane Kiffin for the Trojans missing out on Hester.

"I did bring it up that it was Lane's [recruiting] area," Carroll said. "I don't have an idea if it was. I just threw Kiffin under the bus on that one."

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(espn.com)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Devin Hester always seems to raise his level of play in big games. But the Bears' Pro Bowl return specialist won’t try to force anything in Sunday’s divisional playoff contest against the Seahawks.

“I’m not going to put pressure on myself like that,” Hester said Monday. “I’m just going to go out and be myself and whenever I get my opportunities, try to make the best of it.”

Six of Hester’s kick return touchdowns have come in prime-time games. That includes two that don’t count toward his NFL-record total of 14 scores: a 108-yard return of a missed field goal in a Sunday night win over the Giants on Nov. 12, 2006 and a 92-yard return of the opening kickoff in Super Bowl XLI.

Hester, who returned a punt 89 yards for a TD late in the Bears’ 23-20 loss to the Seahawks on Oct. 17, led the NFL in punt returns this season with a career-high 17.1-yard average and three TDs.

Seahawks punter Jon Ryan, who got obliterated by Earl Bennett on Hester's 89-yard punt return, ranked 28th in the NFL in gross average (41.7) and 19th in net average (37.3) this season. He placed 27 of 78 punts inside-the-20 with only one touchback.

A constant threat to go the distance, Hester has helped the Bears rank No. 1 in the league in both punt return average and opponent’s net punt average.

“It’s always a positive,” he said. “It’s a positive for the offense, as well as the team. [A short punt] not only gives the offense half of the field to go, if you get two first downs you’re in field-goal range.”

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(chicagobears.com)

LAKE FOREST, Ill. — It took a couple of years, but Devin Hester and the Chicago Bears realized his increased role in the team's offense was a proposition of diminishing returns.

Taking fewer snaps as a wide receiver, Hester is back to his form as a game-changing return man, perhaps the best in NFL history. And with kickoff returner Danieal Manning, he helps give the Bears arguably the best return game in the league as they prepare to meet the Seattle Seahawks in Sunday's divisional playoff game at Soldier Field.

After going two seasons without a return for a touchdown, Hester has scored on three punt returns this year to break the NFL career record for most kicks returned for a TD with 14.

Not surprisingly, the Bears are No. 1 in the league in punt return average and No. 2 in kickoff return average. Hester leads the NFL with a 17.1-yard average on punts. Manning is 11th in kickoffs (among those with 30 or more returns) at 24.7 yards, including four of 40 or more yards.

"When we get a kickoff return or punt return, the whole bench gets up and watches. It's fun," special teams coordinator Dave Toub said.

The return game has been a critical part of the NFC North champions' success, consistently giving outstanding field position to an offense that struggled at times. The Bears are 30th in total yards gained, but 21st in scoring.

According to Elias Sports Bureau, they are second in the league in field position after kickoffs, with an average drive starting at the 31.5-yard line, and fourth after punts, at 30.1. Toub's statistics combining the two ranks them first overall.

Hester returned 13 kicks for a touchdown in his first two years in the league (2006-07). In addition to the seven punts and four kickoffs brought back, he returned the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XLI 92 yards for a TD, and in 2006 he returned a missed field goal 108 yards for a score.

With a need on offense, the Bears envisioned turning him into a prime receiving target in 2008, and he played extensively at the position over the next two years, catching 50-plus passes each season. But he had no kick returns for touchdowns. Last year, opponents even stopped kicking away from him.

Coming into this year, both Hester and the coaching staff decided less can be more.

"It's hard to focus on both and do great at both," Toub said. "I think history has proven that for a lot of guys.

"What we learned with Devin, and I think Devin learned, is you have to be focused on special teams. It can't be back-burner, 'I'll be good at it.' … He came to me (during training camp) and said, 'I'm going to get back.' And he did."

Hester acknowledges it took him a while to accept the difficulty in excelling at both roles.

"It's just never been done before, where a full-time receiver does kickoffs and punts," he said. "I thought I could be the first guy. Unfortunately, I'm not."

Hester's snaps with the offense have dropped as this season progressed.

According to ProFootballFocus.com, Hester has taken two-thirds of the snaps in the Bears' offense this year, about 8% fewer than last season. He appeared in about 90% of the plays the first four games this year, according to PFF. Since then, he has averaged about 60% of the snaps.

"At the end of the day, I think it's just having fresh legs back there (on returns)," said Hester, who has caught 40 passes for 475 yards and four TDs. "I won't be so fatigued."

About midseason, Hester volunteered to return kickoffs again as well, and he's handled a total of 12 kicks the final seven games for a 35.6 average.

"Just the passion that I miss, doing it all my life," he said. "It's another way to get my hands on the ball and try to make good plays."

Seattle had some success in its 23-20 victory in Chicago on Oct. 17. The Seahawks punted 10 times: Three went out of bounds, two were downed, and Hester was forced to make a fair catch on three and returned one for 4 yards. But on the final punt, with 1:54 to go in the game, Hester went 89 yards for a touchdown.

Manning also returned a kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Seahawks, but the play was nullified by a holding penalty against the Bears.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(usatoday.com)

Devin Hester had success against Seattle the first time the Bears played the Seahawks on Oct. 17, returning a punt 89 yards for a touchdown.

Hester considers it a win-win situation if Seahawks punter Jon Ryan kicks it either to him or short and out of bounds Sunday in their NFC playoff game at Soldier Field.

"It's always a positive," Hester said Monday at Halas Hall. "It's a positive for the offense, as well as the team. (A short punt) not only gives the offense half of the field to go ... and if you get two first downs, you're in field-goal range. It really helps out a lot and (we) continue to put points on the board."

Hester, who already owns the NFL record for most kick returns for touchdowns (14), often performs at his best on a big stage such as the playoffs. As a rookie, he returned the opening kickoff of the Super Bowl for a touchdown against the Colts.

"I'm not going to put pressure on myself like that," Hester said Monday. "I'm just going to go out and be myself and whenever I get my opportunities, try to make the best of it."

Asked if he was surprised to see the 8-9 Seahawks knock off the defending Super Bowl champion Saints on Saturday, Hester hesitated, then replied: "It's just the way the playoffs go. Teams fix all of their problems later on in the season. (Seattle) didn't start out really good, but now they're starting to come along and playing well. Just look at last weekend and all the points (41) they put up. Their quarterback (Matt Hasselbeck) is doing a great job over there. He is really the key asset to that game. We just have to make sure we do our part to handle our business."

Seattle upset the Bears 23-20 in Week 6 of the regular season.

"It got our attention from the first time we played them this year," Hester said. "Unfortunately, we were unable to come up with the victory, so we know that they are a great team. That game (against the Saints) doesn't surprise me at all. We know that we can't have that same mistake that we had earlier in the season.

"Every team grows as the season goes on. Teams are not on their 'A' game the first couple of weeks of the season. I can only say that we weren't up to our 'A' game. We gradually got better and still have got growing to go."

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(chicagobreakingsports.com)

6 proCanes made early exits out of the NFL playoffs after he wildcard round this weekend.

Reggie Wayne (Colts), Javarris James (Colts), Jon Vilma (Saints), Jimmy Graham (Saints), Jeremy Shockey (Saints), Antonio Dixon (Eagles) all lost their respective games and will start their offseason.

Below are the remaining proCanes in the NFL playoffs.

AFC: Ed Reed (Ravens), Ray Lewis (Ravens), Tavares Gooden (Ravens), Willis McGahee (Ravens), Brandon Meriweather (Patriots), Vince Wilfork (Patriots).

NFC: Kelly Jennings (Seahawks), Spencer Adkins (Falcons), Devin Hester (Bears), Greg Olsen (Bears), Sam Shields (Packers).

The end of the regular season closes the door on season statistics and milestones. So as time permits over the next few weeks, we'll be drawing conclusions on our preseason themes and touching on some of the more interesting trends that developed during the season.

We'll start with Chicago Bears receiver/returner Devin Hester, whose 2010 crossroads we first discussed in August. At the time, we examined Hester's intention to have a "breakout year" as a receiver and all but wrote off the possibility that the could resurrect himself as a returner.
August 8, 2010: "To this point, Hester has been a productive but hardly spectacular receiver. In truth, there are only a handful of receivers around the league who change the way opposing defenses play. To me, that's the level Hester would need to ascend to make this a win-win proposition for the Bears."

What ultimately took place was a perfect marriage of Hester's goals and skills. He played a complementary role on offense, finishing fourth on the team with 40 receptions, but reclaimed his throne as the most dangerous special-teams player in the game.

Hester's average of 17.09 yards per punt return set a new single-season NFL record. He also averaged 35.6 yards on 12 kickoff returns while rotating with Danieal Manning. As the season concluded, opponents were once again punting out of bounds or squibbing their kickoffs to avoid giving him legitimate opportunities.

In fact, Hester's returns -- which also included three touchdowns -- were the biggest factor in the Bears finishing atop Football Outsiders' 2010 rankings of special teams.

Last summer, it seemed the Bears were prepared to sacrifice Hester's threat as a returner in order to get a bigger payoff on offense. As it turned out, the opposite was true. They were content to grant him a contributing role in the offense so they could reap maximum rewards on special teams.

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(espn.com)

Former Bears Hall of Fame halfback and kick returner Gale Sayers feels Devin Hester already is worthy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Hester, in his fifth season with the Bears, already owns the NFL record for combined punt and kickoff returns for touchdowns with 14 (10 punts and four kickoffs).

"Devin Hester deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, no question about it. He has a chance to get there. And more than likely, he probably will," Sayers told the Tribune on Tuesday via phone from Lawrence, Kan., where he starred in the early '60s at the University of Kansas.

Sayers, whose NFL career was cut short after six seasons because of knee injuries, was an elusive running back from scrimmage, and also returned kickoffs and punts with abandon. Sayers averaged 30.56 yards on 91 kick returns during his career (1965-71) for 6 TDs and an all-time best touchdown-per-return ratio of .0659 percent. Hester has returned 262 kicks for his 14 TDs (.0534).

"I think I was probably the first (Hall of Fame) running back to return punts and kickoffs and run from the line of scrimmage," said Sayers, who was the Hall's youngest-ever inductee at the age of 34 in 1977. "I had a good career rushing with the football, too, and scoring touchdowns (22 as a rookie). (Hester) is only doing kick returns (although he is also a wide receiver) and he is having a hell of a career. No doubt, he will probably go into the Hall of Fame."

Sayers feels the Pro Football Hall of Fame should expand its scope to include more specialists who have been at the top of their profession. Currently, Jan Stenerud is the only pure kicker in the Hall of Fame. And previous kick return stars such as Brian Mitchell and Billy "White Shoes" Johnson are not included.

"To me, Ray Guy should be in the Hall of Fame," Sayers said. "I mean, he killed the ball. He was unbelievable. And he played for a number of years (1973-86 as a seven-time Pro Bowler) and it seemed like every year (with a career average of 42.4) he led the league in punting."

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(chicagobreakingsports.com)

17 proCanes will participate in the 2010 NFL playoffs. 8 from the AFC and 9 from the NFC. Below is a list of the players.

AFC: Reggie Wayne (Colts), Javarris James (Colts), Ed Reed (Ravens), Ray Lewis (Ravens), Tavares Gooden (Ravens), Willis McGahee (Ravens), Brandon Meriweather (Patriots), Vince Wilfork (Patriots).

NFC: Kelly Jennings (Seahawks), Jon Vilma (Saints), Jimmy Graham (Saints), Jeremy Shockey (Saints), Antonio Dixon (Eagles), Spencer Adkins (Falcons), Devin Hester (Bears), Greg Olsen (Bears), Sam Shields (Packers).

LAKE FOREST, Ill. -- Add this to the list of NFL records for Chicago's Devin Hester -- highest punt return average in a season.

The Bears' speedy return specialist averaged 17.1 yards, the highest in league history among players with at least 30 returns. He also set the career record for combined kick return touchdowns last month with his 14th, returning to form after struggling the past few years while trying to adapt to a bigger role at wide receiver.

Hester has returned 33 punts for 564 yards and three TDs. His average topped the previous mark of 16.1 set by Jermaine Lewis of Baltimore in 2000.

Hester's resurgence is a big reason the Bears (11-5) won the NFC North and made the playoffs for the first time in four years.

He had gone two seasons without returning a punt or kickoff for a touchdown after running back 11 to the end zone in his first two seasons. That drought ended when he took a punt 62 yards against Green Bay in late September.

Hester broke Brian Mitchell's record for combined kick return TDs with a 64-yard punt return against Minnesota on Dec. 20. That gave him 10 punt return touchdowns in his career, tying Eric Metcalf's record.

Not included in Hester's 14 kick return TDs are a missed field goal that he ran back 108 yards, and the touchdown on the opening kickoff of the Super Bowl four years ago.

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(espn.com)

Because he couldn't do it alone, Bears receiver Devin Hester thanked all of his blockers who helped him break the kick return touchdown record by buying them remote cars and helicopters and airplanes.

"The big ones," Hester said, noting he purchased 14 or 15 in all.

It's been a nice run for Hester. In addition to breaking the record, Hester also was named to his third Pro Bowl team.

"It's an honor and pleasure to be selected to the Pro Bowl," he said. "I thank God first, all the way down to my teammates. It's a great opportunity, to put the return game back on the map. It's something y'all been looking forward to for about two or three years now.
We finally getting it going. And the credit goes out to the coaches, as well."

Hester said he hopes linebacker Brian Urlacher goes, since he's never attended an all-star game with him.

Here are some other thoughts from Hester:

* On being a few games from the Super Bowl: "It means a lot. It's a long journey for this team. This year, we've been doing pretty good. The record is looking pretty good right now. The bye, and everything is starting to show up. Our team is starting to do some great things, as far as offense, defense and special teams. We got a good shot."

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(suntimes.com)

Devin Hester promised he wouldn't let up after his record-setting 14th career kick return touchdown against the Vikings. He could pad his mark Sunday at Lambeau Field.

The Pro Bowl return man already has two career touchdown returns against the Packers, including a 62-yard punt return for a score in September.

"I think Devin Hester is the best player on their football team,'' Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "He is having an incredible season. He has impacted pretty much every game they have won.''

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.



(chicagotribune.com)