Devin Hester
Devin Devorris Hester Sr.[3] (born November 4, 1982) is an American former football wide receiver and return specialist who played in the National Football League (NFL). The only primary return specialist to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he is widely considered to be the greatest return specialist of all time. He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes, where he was the first player in the university's recent history to play in all three phases of American football: offense, defense and special teams. He was selected by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft. In addition to Chicago, Hester also played for the Atlanta Falcons, the Baltimore Ravens and the Seattle Seahawks over his 11-season NFL career. He is also the only player to return the opening kick of a Super Bowl for a touchdown. Hester was selected to the NFL All-Decade Team for both the 2000s and 2010s.
No. 23, 17, 14
November 4, 1982
Riviera Beach, Florida, U.S.
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
Suncoast (Riviera Beach)
Miami (FL) (2003–2005)
2006 / Round: 2 / Pick: 57
255
255
3,311
16
7,333
3,696
20
14
Originally drafted as a cornerback, Hester quickly made an impact as a kick and punt returner, and later became a wide receiver. He holds the NFL record for most all-time return touchdowns—punt and kickoff combined—and most all-time punt return touchdowns.[4][5][6] He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024 after being a finalist in 2022 and 2023.
Early years[edit]
Devin Hester was born to Juanita Brown and Lenorris Hester Sr. in Riviera Beach, Florida. His parents separated when he was a toddler. Before he became a teenager, his mother was severely injured in a car accident, while his father died of complications from AIDS two years later.[7][8] His step-father, Derrick Brown, and brother, Lenorris Jr., helped Hester escape his depression and rebuild his life by introducing him to football. He soon returned to his normal life and began to excel in sports.[9]
During his youth, Hester enjoyed following the Dallas Cowboys. He especially idolized Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith, and Michael Irvin. He was also a fan of the Chicago Bulls during the Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson era.[10] Fred Taylor of the University of Florida was Hester's favorite athlete. In addition to football, he also enjoyed playing soccer and following baseball.[10]
College career[edit]
After completing high school, Hester enrolled at the University of Miami, where he played for the Miami Hurricanes football team from 2003 to 2005. As a sophomore in 2004, he earned national recognition as a kick returner after being named a first-team All-American by the Walter Camp Football Foundation and The Sporting News. His ability to thrust laterally and break away from pursuers made him one of the nation's most dangerous return specialists.[11] During his freshman year, Hester returned an opening kick for a 98-yard touchdown against the Florida Gators. In a game against Duke in 2005, Hester broke six tackles while returning an 81-yard punt.[17] Ultimately, Hester completed his college career with a total of six touchdowns from kick returns (4 punts, 2 kickoffs), one blocked field goal return, one rushing touchdown, one receiving touchdown and recorded five interceptions as a defensive back.
Hester became the first football player in the Miami Hurricanes' recent history to play as member of the special, offensive, and defensive teams.[11][18] He was known as "Hurricane Hester" by his fans and teammates.[13] In his junior season, Hester returned 19 punts for 326 yards and three touchdowns, along with 15 kickoffs for 389 yards and a score, while also intercepting four passes. During his productive tenure at the University of Miami, Hester befriended Deion Sanders through Ed Reed, an alumnus of the University of Miami, and friend of Sanders. Sanders counseled, advised, and encouraged Hester. Hester was also known as "Anytime" in college, which is a tribute to Sanders' nickname, "Prime Time". He also adopted Sanders' signature touchdown dance, and showboating maneuvers, which he carried to his future NFL career.[9]
Hester finished his three seasons with 41 punt returns for 638 yards, 40 kick returns for 1,019 yards, 24 carries for 160 yards, 10 receptions for 196 yards, 11 tackles, 1 sack, and five interceptions for 57 return yards.
Personal life[edit]
Hester was in a relationship with Tamara James, a women's basketball player he met at the University of Miami. James played professionally for the Washington Mystics of the WNBA. Their engagement was later called off.[9] Later, Hester married Zingha Walcott, an elementary school teacher, in 2010.[139] They have three sons and live in Windermere, Florida.[139] Hester's family lives in Florida and was struck by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Hester has assisted his family financially in helping them rebuild their home.[140] His brother Lenorris Jr., lived with Hester during his tenure with the Bears.[139] Raised in a Christian household, Hester brought a Bible to every game he played.[141] Hester is also cousins with Aaron Hester who played for the Edmonton Eskimos of the Canadian Football League.[142]
Hester's successful rookie year drew him much publicity and popularity. After his record-breaking performance against the Rams, Hester was offered marketing opportunities from Nike, soft drink, and cell phone companies.[143]
There was also a surge in the demand for Hester's jerseys within the Chicago area sporting stores.[144] Hester was invited to throw the ceremonial opening pitch and sing "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" at the Chicago Cubs' 2007 home opener.[145] Along with teammates Rex Grossman and Tommie Harris, Hester appeared on the February 2007 issue of Sports Illustrated for Kids. Hester's perfect 100 speed rating in EA Sports' Madden NFL 08 made him the fastest player in the game's history.[146] Hester also appeared in a promotional video for the game.[147] He appeared in commercials for Under Armour in 2008 and 2009.[148] In 2013, Hester outran a cheetah in a race sponsored by National Geographic at Busch Gardens Tampa. The competition consisted of Hester running back and forth on a straight track to simulate laps, while the cheetah ran in a similar but separate track.[149]
In 2013, Hester founded the Anytime 23 Empowerment Center Inc., a non-profit organization that serves as a positive, nurturing and safe environment for kids ages 6–18.[150] The organization was later renamed to "Devin Hester Foundation".[151]