Nine Miami Hurricanes Selected in SI MMQB All-Time NFL Draft
is the most iconic return man in NFL history. His impact as a return man began at Miami. In three college seasons, he returned four punts and two kickoffs for touchdowns. Hester had a 15.6-yard punt return average and 25.5 kickoff return average.
The Windy Flyer was dubbed ridiculous by Chicago Bears play by play announcer Jeff Joniak. Hester led the NFL with 600 punt returns yards, two punt return and three kickoff return touchdowns as a rookie in 2006.
He was a major reason the Bears advanced to their second Super Bowl ever and their first one in 21 years after the 2006 season. He continued his NFL dominance in year two. Hester led the NFL once again with punt kick return touchdowns in 2007. He added two kick returns for touchdowns.
Hester’s seven punt return touchdowns in his first two seasons put him sixth in NFL history. He would eventually set the record with 14 career punt return touchdowns. He also ranks third in punt return yards and fifth in attempts in NFL history.
He also holds the NFL record with 20 non-touchdowns in his career. Hester was named first team all-pro three times.
His Sports Illustrated MMQB All-time NFL Draft Profile is below.
"Devin HESTER Kick Returner (2006-2016) Perhaps the most dangerous return man in NFL history, Hester holds the all-time mark for punt-return touchdowns (14); he also has six other return TDs—five on kickoffs and one for 108 yards on a missed field-goal attempt. That plus his 16 TDs as a receiver, one as a ball-carrier and nearly 15,000 combined all-purpose yards make a case for eventual Hall of Fame inclusion. Hester famously opened Super Bowl XLI by taking the kickoff back 92 yards for a touchdown."