#23: Devin Hester, Kick Returner/Wide Receiver
Exactly 14 weeks until the NFL season…
Enjoy all 14 of @D_Hest23's career punt return TDs! ???? #tbt pic.twitter.com/2I8EjI8VxR
— NFL (@NFL) June 1, 2017
Tough decision here as Devin Hester had minimal contribution on the offense, but he was arguably the best return man in NFL history. Devin turned the return game into a true work of art.
Hester was drafted in the second round by the Bears in 2006 as a cornerback, but was converted to a wide receiver in his second year by Lovie Smith to provide him with more opportunities. He may just be remembered as the last great return man, as new NFL safety rules are making it harder and harder for return specialist to become a dominant force in the league.
‘The Windy City Flyer’ as he was referred to in Chicago, was named Special Teams Player of the Year three times. Hester holds NFL record for return touchdowns in a season with six, career punt returns with 14, and career special teams touchdowns with 20. He had five return touchdowns alone in his rookie year. Hester also was the first player ever to return a kickoff in the Super Bowl when he did so in Super Bowl XLI.
Hester spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens and was used almost exclusively on special teams before being released on December 13th. the Seattle Seahawks signed Hester for help in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, and he provided a spark, returning kicks for 78 and 50 yards. After the game Hester made an announcement that he was planning on retiring from the NFL.
Honorable Mention: Troy Vincent, Arian Foster
