"It wasn't just a punt return.

Not just a touchdown.

It was more than a play that brought you to your feet.

It was one of those stories you'll recount to your grandkids.

It might be talked about someday at an induction ceremony for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The legend of what happened Sunday will grow and grow.

It was the day when Devin Hester was not supposed to play.

He hadn't practiced during the week. He had sprained an ankle six days ago, then came down with an illness during the week and was designated as questionable on the injury report.

"This was my first time seeing him since Monday really," fellow receiver Johnny Knox said. "I only saw him during the week when he was getting treatment."

Said special teams ace Corey Graham, "I was hearing he had a 106 temperature. His ankle was messed up. We didn't even know if he was going to play, to be honest."

The wind was howling on the lakefront as Hester stepped out of the phone booth in the pregame. Wearing sweatpants, sweatshirt and a knit cap, he tested the ankle under the watchful eye of team officials."