The Chicago Bears took time before the upcoming NFL draft to do right by two of their most recent and best hits in franchise history. It’s rather fitting that Devin Hester and Matt Forte retire as Bears on the same day. They were both selected in the second round. They wore jerseys separated by a single digit (#22 and #23) and were instrumental to the last time the Bears made the playoffs.
It’s Hester though generates the fondest memories from most fans. That’s no surprise. The thrills he brought to an NFL field are likely to never be seen again. His record of 19 kick or punt return touchdowns will stand forever as the league moves further and further away from making kickoffs a central part of the game. Hester’s highlights are the last and fittingly brightest glimpse of a wonderful era of football.
This was his chance to talk about his career and also what may be to come. Somehow, once again, the man found a way to surprise us.
Devin Hester in the Hall of Fame? He says yes
This is a debate every Bears fan is ready for. They will die to a man, woman, and child professing that Hester belongs in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Special teams players have historically gotten a short end of the stick in Canton, but things are changing. Ray Guy, the all-time punt and Morten Anderson, the all-time kicker, both have gotten in. So doesn’t logic dictate that the all-time greatest returner belongs as well?
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Hester thinks so.
Devin Hester says he wants to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and offers this: “Sometimes you gotta put guys in the Hall of Fame for being the most dangerous person on the field.”
— JJ Stankevitz (@JJStankevitz) April 23, 2018
Hester also didn’t hold back his feelings on the subject. While a humble man to the end, he is still a competitor at heart. He wants to get into the Hall and believes any man who says such a thing doesn’t matter to him is lying or in the wrong profession.
Devin Hester has never minced words about whether he thinks he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. "If there's one out there that says they don't really care about it, then they're playing the wrong sport."
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) April 23, 2018
He almost joined the eventual champion Eagles in 2017
The biggest bombshell though Hester saved for last. It turns out his retirement almost came to an end last year. He reported, almost nonchalantly that the Philadelphia Eagles called him about signing with them following an injury to their veteran playmaker Darren Sproles. Hester turned down the offer.
Devin Hester said the #Eagles tried to sign him last year after Darren Sproles was injured, but he wanted to stay retired.
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) April 23, 2018
It’s crazy to think about that. Had Hester accepted, he would have a Super Bowl ring now and be able to retire having accomplished just about everything there is to do. So why? Why did he refuse the chance to join one of the best teams in the league last year, even as a reserve who didn’t see the field much? It came down to a simple desire to not leave his family again.
Devin Hester said the Eagles hoped to sign him last year, but he wanted to be there with his family. “This is what I’ve missed out on.”
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) April 23, 2018
Based on his Instagram posts, it’s obvious Hester has embraced the next phase of his life as a father and husband. He’s happy. Leaving that again for what at the time looked like a last, fleeting chance at a ring must’ve been tough. It’s doubtful he has any regrets over it. He’d have just been along for the ride. Best to sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of his labor for the past 12 years.
