While Chicago Bears fans patiently await their Week 1 showdown with the Minnesota Vikings in one week, most were taking part in watching the first full Saturday slate of college football games.
One moment seemed to catch everyone's attention with a spectacular 75-yard kickoff return from the Furman Paladins. It's not common for an FCS school to receive this much attention, but a bit of nostalgia kicked in with the return of the player: Devin Hester Jr.
Devin Hester jr. with a 75 yard kickoff return‼️ pic.twitter.com/TeVhj4n4RT
— Furman Football (@PaladinFootball) August 30, 2025
Social media lost its mind that the son of former Chicago Bears returner Devin Hester was following in his dad's footsteps. Unfortunately, they are not related.
Bears fans confused by Devin Hester Jr. not being related to the Devin Hester
Yes, the player that Furman has is not related to Devin Hester. There is a Devin Hester Jr. who does call Devin Hester "dad." Devin Hester's son is in high school and is on the track team. He is expected to graduate from high school in 2028.
Furman's Hester is a sophomore wide receiver who caught 10 passes for 80 yards last year. This is his first full season as a returner, as he had four kickoff returns for 144 yards, including the 75-yard return, while also recording two receptions for 30 yards in the Paladins' 23-21 win over William & Mary.
Football fans fondly remember the older Devin Hester as the greatest returner in NFL history. He was selected to four Pro Bowls while returning five kickoffs and an NFL record 14 punt returns for touchdowns in his 11-year career. Hester is a member of the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Read more: Bears training camp darling earns rightful spot on PFF's preseason list
While some Bears fans will be disappointed to hear in Hester's son not playing college football yet, it does appear speed runs in the family with his son in track. That's a good trait to have.