Chicago Bears Countdown to Kickoff: 23 Days with Devin Hester
By Peter Jurich
Devin Hester becomes league's top returner with Chicago Bears
From Hester's first game as a pro, it was apparent that he was a special player, specifically as a returner. In a 26-0 rout of the Green Bay Packers to open the year, Hester contributed a punt return touchdown, the first of his career. His Bears debut would only be the start, as Hester finished the regular season iwth six total return touchdowns, including an impressive 108 yard return on a missed field goal attempt versus the New York Giants.
As a rookie, Hester led the league in kickoff return touchdowns (2), punt return touchdowns (3), and the most non-offensive touchdowns (6). Hester's special team dominance complimented an extremely talented Bears defense that included the likes of Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, Tommie Harris, Alex Brown, and Adewale Ogunleye. Hester also played on the defense as a cornerback, but did so sparingly, recording just nine tackles on the year. Despite offensive troubles throughout the year, the team finished the 2006 season with a 13-3 record, strong enough for first place in the division.
In the playoffs, the team dominated the NFC side of the bracket and made it to the Super Bowl, where Hester made history. The Miami standout returned the game's opening kickoff for a touchdown, marking not only the first time that has happened in Super Bowl history but making him the fastest person to score in the big game. The Bears would unfortunately go on to lose against the Indianapolis Colts, but it was an impressive way for Hester to punctuate his breakout season. Following the year, Hester was named to both the Pro Bowl and the First-Team All-Pro as a rookie.
By his second season, the secret was out about Hester's abilities, but the return ace continues to dominate the game. With a league-high four punt return touchdowns in 2007, Hester again finished with six total return touchdowns, matching his NFL record from the previous season. He also contributed on offense as a gadget player and recorded nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns. He was again named to both the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams.