The most prolific return specialist in league history plans to call it a career. As Dave Boling of the News Tribune writes, Seahawks return man Devin Hester told reporters after yesterday’s loss to the Falcons that he is going to retire. As Hester said, “I told my wife it’s pretty much my last year. I was hoping for a run to the Super Bowl. The only thing that I left out of this game is walking away without getting a ring. It’s tough.”
If Hester does retire, he left fans with one last taste of his breathtaking ability. In the loss to Atlanta, Hester returned five kickoffs for 194 yards with a long of 78 yards. He also looked to have made a crucial punt return in the second quarter, returning it from the Seattle 13 to the Atlanta 7. The Seahawks were leading 10-7 at that point, and had the return stood, they would have had the chance to seize early control of the game. But the return was negated by a holding penalty that took place at the line of scrimmage, which pushed the Seahawks back to their own 6-yard line and led to a safety when quarterback Russell Wilson was stepped on by his own lineman and stumbled into the endzone.
But the disappointing end to Hester’s career does not alter his legacy. He is widely expected to become the first player enshrined in the Hall of Fame solely as a return man, and for good reason. His 20 combined kick return touchdowns are an NFL record, as are his 14 punt return touchdowns. He also holds the single-season record for most return touchdowns (six).
Hester was selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft, and the Miami product quickly made his mark on the league, returning three punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns in his rookie campaign. He also returned the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XLI 92 yards for a score, a game that the Bears would go on to lose.
Hester’s return touchdown record is not likely to be broken anytime soon, particularly with the recent changes to kickoff rules. After his eight-year run in Chicago, Hester spent two seasons with the Falcons, enjoying a strong 2014 campaign before an injury-shortened 2015 led to questions about his future in the league. Hester then signed on with the Ravens prior to the 2016 season, but his time in Baltimore was a disaster, as he appeared timid and was generally ineffective. Baltimore released him in December and he auditioned for the Patriots before ultimately signing on with the Seahawks on January 3, just before Seattle’s first playoff game (Seattle had lost returner
Tyler Lockett to a broken leg).
Hester’s last ride did not end in a Super Bowl victory as he had hoped, but it will likely end in a trip to Canton.
At least he can walk away showing he still has something in the tank. Sadly the Seahawks shot themselves in the foot and couldn’t take advantage.
Pull a Tillman and come sign a 1 day contract so you can retire a Bear!!! Bear Down!!!!