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Devin Hester News & Rumors

Hester upset with Pro Bowl snub
December 31
Chicago Tribune
 
"The most dangerous return man in NFL history was left off this year's Pro Bowl roster, and Devin Hester's not happy about it. "Heck yeah I'm disappointed,'' Hester said Friday. "I'm not going to lie. I was a little upset. But he did a job this year.'' The "he'' Hester referred to was Cardinals rookie Patrick Peterson, who was voted in as the NFC's return man. Peterson has returned four punts for touchdowns this season, tying a record Hester also shares. But Hester, with three combined returns for scores this season, still leads the NFL in punt-return average with 17.3 yards per return despite battling injury issues. Peterson's average is 15.9. "If anybody was going to beat me, I knew it"
Hester questionable but don't count him out
December 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"The last time the Bears held out Devin Hester for an entire week of practice, he responded on game day with an 82-yard punt return for a touchdown. Facing Aaron Rodgers and the Packers on Sunday night at Lambeau Field, the Bears could use a Hester score or two considering their offensive woes. The Packers are averaging 40.2 points per game at home and the Bears have scored 47 points in the four games they have been without starting quarterback Jay Cutler. Hester is questionable on the injury report and coach Lovie Smith painted a bleak picture. "It's not looking real good," he said."
Tillman back to practice; Hester sidelined
December 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"Veteran cornerback Charles Tillman returned to practice Friday after sitting out the previous two days with a knee injury but defensive tackle Henry Melton was held out and wide receiver Devin Hester was sidelined as he tweaked an ankle on Thursday. Melton has not practiced all week, listed on the injury report with a shin injury. Coach Lovie Smith said both Melton and Hester could play on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field. But the coach acknowledged the situation isn't good this week for Melton, who leads all defensive tackles in the NFL with seven sacks. Smith said earlier in the week he did not believe any of the injuries earlier in the week were serious, but"
Can Hester replicate past against Broncos?
December 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"Special teams coordinator Dave Toub doesn't have to be reminded about what happened in 2007 when the Bears faced the Broncos. Devin Hester returned a punt 75 yards for a score in the third quarter and then the Broncos had the audacity to kick to him again. He responded with an 88-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the same quarter. The Bears eventually won 37-34 in overtime. It might not be as easy for Hester this time around. "Totally different now,'' Toub said of the Broncos. "They're ranked fourth in special teams.'' Broncos veteran Champ Bailey told the Denver Post this week he wouldn't kick to Hester "in a million years.'' Toub brushed off Bailey's comment. "It doesn't mean"
Broncos' Bailey not in favor of kicking to Bears' Hester
December 9
Denver Post
 
"Cornerback Champ Bailey was one of the few Broncos on the sideline to witness what the Bears' über-returner Devin Hester? did the last time he faced Denver. In 2007, Hester returned a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns in the same quarter in what eventually turned into an overtime loss for the Broncos. The defeat was part of a 2-4 limp down the stretch that year as the Broncos finished 7-9 and out of the playoffs. Asked Thursday whether he — had he the power — would kick to Hester, Bailey said: "Not in a million years. I've been around coaches that have. I know we did the last time we played them. I think we all know how that went.""
Devin Hester: No to Donovan McNabb
December 5
ESPN.com
 
"After the offense sputtered in a 10-3 loss to the Chiefs, the Chicago Bears are reportedly going to discuss the possibility of adding free-agent quarterback Donovan McNabb. But Bears wide receiver and returner Devin Hester thinks that would be "a waste of time." Sources told CSNChicago.com that the Bears might have interest in McNabb after Caleb Hanie threw three interceptions Sunday. He has started two games, both losses, and has three interceptions in each game since Jay Cutler went down with a hand injury. To make matters worse, the offense took another hit when Matt Forte suffered what looks to be a strained medial collateral ligament in his knee."
Bears offense doesn't miss Hester
December 4
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Dan Pompei
"In Devin Hester's absence from the offense over the last three games, it has become very apparent the Bears are better when Hester treats special teams like a wife and the offense like a mistress. There has been talk of Hester returning to a starting job and a prominent role on offense. Bears fans should hope it is just talk. Hester can be effective as a supplementary offensive player who plays in the slot in multiple-receiver packages, but the offense is better served with Johnny Knox and Earl Bennett on the field as much as possible, and with Roy Williams getting a fair share of snaps. And the entire team is better served with Hester conserving his energy for the return game."
Here's a tip: Don't kick to Bears' Hester
December 3
Kansas City Star
 
"Brian Urlacher hardly qualifies as an expert on special-teams play. Urlacher, a Chicago Bears linebacker, doesn't cover punts and has certainly never returned one. But he knows how he would approach the prospect of punting to Devin Hester, his teammate and perhaps the NFL's all-time greatest return specialist. "I'd kick the ball straight out of bounds," said Urlacher, who has seen Hester score 17 touchdowns on punt or kickoff returns in his six NFL seasons. "But they keep kicking to him, and he just keeps taking them back for touchdowns." The dilemma of what to do about Hester this week rests with the Chiefs, who play the Bears on Sunday in Chicago. The Chiefs haven't scored more than 10"
Man pleads guilty to slapping Bears' Hester
December 2
Chicago Tribune
 
"A man whose lawyer said he "loves the Bears and loves Devin Hester" pleaded guilty Thursday to misdemeanor battery for slapping the wide receiver/kick returner on the head at a Des Plaines casino. "He smacked someone he shouldn't have," attorney Frank Kostouros said of his client Daniel Rago, of Mount Prospect, after the court hearing in Skokie. "He's been sorry from Day One for what happened. … He feels terrible about it.""
Hester must overcome aches and pains
December 1
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester is frustrated — with himself. The Bears receiver wants nothing more than to contribute on offense, but his body won't allow it. Hester has been limited to return duties the last three games as his left ankle and right shin continue to heal. "I've been banged up so I haven't been able to run any routes," Hester said. "I couldn't stop on a dime. I could run forward and move laterally, but I couldn't slow down and stop. That's the whole point of running routes.''"
Moore out, Hester probable for Raiders
November 26
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"The Chicago Bears will be without nickel cornerback D.J. Moore on Sunday at Oakland but wide receiver/returner Devin Hester is probable despite missing a second straight day of practice Friday at Halas Hall. Hester was held out Thursday with a shin injury and was sidelined again Friday. He didn't practice two weeks ago and did play against the Detroit Lions, returning a punt 82 yards for a touchdown before leaving the game with an illness. So, Hester should be ready to go even though he's been suffering from a series of minor injuries, including an ankle sprain, and was not used at all on offense in the victory over the San Diego Chargers last Sunday at Soldier Field."
Will Raiders give the boot to Devin Hester?
November 25
San Francisco Chronicle
 columnist Vittorio Tafur
"In his opinion, Bears head coach Lovie Smith said, the Raiders have to kick to dangerous returner Devin Hester on Sunday. It's a pride thing ... wink, wink. "It's hard to go into meetings and tell your punt team that, 'Hey, guys, we don't think you're good enough, so we're going to have to kick it out of bounds because we don't think you can tackle one guy down on the other end,' " Smith said. "I just don't think you can go in and do that very often." Smith's efforts to goad Oakland into kicking to the NFL-record holder in punt-return touchdowns (12) might work - if it were up to the Raiders on the punt-coverage team. But punter Shane Lechler has a little bigger say, being the one who"
Hester misses practice with shin injury
November 25
Chicago Tribune
 
"Chicago Bears receiver/kick returner Devin Hester was added to the injury report Thursday with a shin injury and did not participate in practice. Coach Lovie Smith didn't seem to be overly concerned about Hester's latest injury and didn't rule Hester out for Sunday's game against the Oakland Raiders. Hester has been limited by a sprain ankle the last few weeks."
Raiders have no fear of kicking to Hester
November 24
Chicago Tribune
 
"Oakland Raiders safety Mike Mitchell has a lot of respect for Chicago Bears return man Devin Hester, but he might need to acquaint himself with the NFL record books. Mitchell ranked Hester second in the league in terms of dangerous return men behind the Raiders' speedy Jacoby Ford, who has four kickoff returns for touchdowns in a little more than 1 1/2 seasons in the league. Hester has three return scores this season and an NFL-record 17 combined kickoff and punt return touchdowns in his career. "He's the best besides Jacoby, you can quote that, too," Mitchell told Oakland media Wednesday. "Besides Jacoby, I think he's the best returner in the league, extremely fast, he has great vision"
Hester held out on 'O;' Clutts fills in for Mannelly
November 21
Chicago Tribune
 
"It might not be his left ankle that's hampering Devin Hester right now. He's just not fully healthy, and that's why the Bears held him out on offense Sunday, limiting his use to two punt returns and three kickoff returns. The Bears also put Hester on the field for Nick Novak's 55-yard field-goal attempt on the final play of the first half, attempting to re-create the magic he had against the Giants in 2006 at the Meadowlands. "I'm just banged up right now," said Hester, who practiced last week after playing a week ago despite not practicing. "I don't know (if I'll be healed up before Sunday's game at Oakland). I am just going to take it day by day.""
Bears' Hester is the major threat -- and dilemma -- for foes
November 18
San Diego Union-Tribune
 
"Courage or common sense? Fight or flight? Chicken or … egg on your face? These are the hot-burning questions now surrounding Devin Hester, or rather, the teams that play against him and the Chicago Bears. That would mean the pressure's currently on the Chargers, who'll have to decide Sunday whether to let the football get close enough that Hester might return their punts or kickoffs for touchdown(s), something he does with unprecedented and preposterous regularity. For his part, Hester fielded another form of the primary question this week as he would a punt, resorting to the same sort of elusiveness he displays on his returns. The query: If he was a major league pitcher, would Hester"
He's a sick returner: Ailing Hester sparkles
November 17
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"The legend of Devin Hester continues to grow. The Bears receiver and returner didn't practice last week because of an ankle injury but returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown Sunday against the Detroit Lions. On Wednesday, Hester revealed he also was sick with swollen tonsils, strep throat and a fever. In a few days, news might emerge that Hester also slew a dragon. "It was one of them games where we had to win," Hester said. "We needed all our key players. I felt I had a little juice to go, and I just gave it a shot." He provided one of the key plays, as the Bears raced out to a 20-0 lead en route to a 37-13 rout."
Devin Hester among leaders in Pro Bowl fan balloting
November 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"Winning teams are the ones represented most in fan balloting for the Pro Bowl. So it's no surprise the undefeated and reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers have 20 players in the top five in voting for the NFL's all-star game. Nine of those 20 lead their position in voting. The Chicago Bears aren't doing too bad, either. Devin Hester leads returns in voting with 101,932, according to the most recent figures provided by the NFL. That's more than twice as many as the next man, San Francisco's Ted Ginn Jr. Fan voting counts one-third in the selection process with players and coaches also getting one-third of the say in the process."
Hester returns another punt for a touchdown
November 14
Chicago Tribune
 columnist Dan Pompei
"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"
Ankle keeps Hester in doubt
November 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester was held out of practice again Friday because of his sprained left ankle and the wide receiver/returner is questionable for Sunday's game against the Lions at Soldier Field. Hester wasn't spotted during practice the last two days, meaning he was likely inside Halas Hall getting treatment. Considering the short week and the nature of the injury, it will not be surprising if he misses a game for the first time since late in the 2009 season, when a calf injury sidelined him for three games. Hester, who is second on the team with 22 receptions, has missed only four games in his six-year career. If he cannot play, Earl Bennett is expected to start at wide receiver and Johnny Knox"
Hester's status remains murky for Lions
November 11
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester said he expected to be OK when he pulled a slipper on his left foot Monday night in the locker room in Philadelphia, but the Chicago Bears wide receiver didn't practice Thursday at Halas Hall. Hester suffered a sprained left ankle in the fourth quarter of the victory over the Eagles. He had an Ace bandage wrap on it after the game, not a walking boot that is often used for more serious injuries."
Bears boast Devin Hester, but they're wary of DeSean Jackson
November 5
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"When Chris Conte played at California, teammate DeSean Jackson was the best kick returner he had ever seen. In Conte's first college game in 2007, Jackson returned a punt 77 yards for a touchdown against 15th-ranked Tennessee, and Conte had the honor of providing the finishing block. It was Jackson's sixth touchdown in 27 career punt returns. He was the Devin Hester of college football. Jackson has been nearly as dangerous in the NFL. A second-round draft pick (49th overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008, he had four punt returns for touchdowns in his first three seasons. In 2009, he became the first player in NFL history to make the Pro Bowl at two different positions, wide receiver"
Eagles rookies in Hester's sights
November 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester likes to play mind games with his opponents — the less experienced, the better. So, it's an interesting matchup for the Bears' record-setting return man against rookie kicker Alex Henery and rookie punter Chas Henry Monday night in Philadelphia. "Just hoping that he miss-hits a couple," Hester said of Henry. "Put pressure on him a little bit. I'll try to get in his head." Opponents have returned only eight of Henry's 18 punts, and Eagles special teams coordinator Bobby April is considered one of the elite. Last year, Hester returned one punt for nine yards against the Eagles, who elected to sky punt with Sav Rocca, sacrificing distance for high punts that are difficult to"
Hester sits out practice
October 20
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester brushed off being named the NFC's special teams player of the week for the second time in three weeks. He's more concerned about getting on the field Sunday against the Buccaneers in London. Hester sat out Wednesday's practice as he continues to recover from a chest injury. He said he was "hurting'' after getting banged up in the 39-10 victory over the Vikings. Hester had a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown Sunday night but the Bucs might pose a much stiffer challenge."
Bears fan apologizes to Hester for casino incident
October 20
Chicago Tribune
 
"The man who was arrested at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines after police said he slapped Chicago Bears receiver/returner Devin Hester in the back of the head has apologized. Hester was in a cash transaction line at around 10:40 p.m. Friday when Daniel Rago, 52, approached him, slapped him in the back of the head and walked away, Des Plaines Police Chief Jim Prandini said. Hester notified the casino's security team and Rago, a Mount Prospect resident, was escorted to a holding area and later arrested by Des Plaines police."
Hester wins 11th special teams player of week honor
October 20
Chicago Tribune
 
"Chicago Bears star Devin Hester was named the NFC's special teams player of the week for the second time in three weeks. Hester returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown in the Bears' 39-10 win over the Vikings. It was the 16th kick return score of his career, extending an NFL record. Hester had 134 total return yards in the game. It is the second time he has earned the distinction this season, also winning the honor after a 69-yard punt return for a touchdown in the Week 4 victory over the Carolina Panthers. The latest honor marked the 11th special teams player of the week award for Hester."
Cops: Man slaps Bears' Hester at Des Plaines casino
October 19
Chicago Tribune
 
"A man was arrested at Rivers Casino in Des Plaines after police said he slapped Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester in the back of the head. Hester was in a cash transaction line at around 10:40 p.m. Friday when Daniel Rago, 52, approached the football player, slapped him in the back of the head and walked away, Des Plaines Police Chief Jim Prandini said."
Devin Hester's injury not serious, says Bears coach Lovie Smith
October 18
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"With Earl Bennett entering his fifth week of recovery from a ''chest bruise,'' Devin Hester leaving Sunday night's 39-10 victory over the Vikings with a chest injury sounded ominous. But coach Lovie Smith said Monday that Hester's injury ''shouldn't be serious,'' and it's not expected to prevent Hester from playing Sunday against the Buccaneers in London. ''We're going to put it in the bumps-and-bruises section,'' Smith said. Hester caught a 48-yard touchdown pass from Jay Cutler in the first quarter and added a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the third quarter — extending his NFL record for career kick-return touchdowns to 16."
Vikings make mistake testing Bears' Hester
October 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"One day teams will learn not to kick to Devin Hester. The Vikings made the mistake twice in the third quarter Sunday, and Hester made them pay. He took a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, his 16th career kick-return TD. He saw a small hole behind blocks by Matt Spaeth and Kyle Adams and exploded through it en route to the end zone. Hester sidestepped kicker Ryan Longwell, the last player in his path, without much effort. The next time the Vikings had a chance to punt to Hester, they didn't try to kick away from him. He licked his chops again and almost broke free, returning the punt 27 yards."
Another stellar game for Hester
October 17
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Devin Hester already had scored a touchdown on a 48-yard pass reception and 98-yard kickoff return against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday night when he took a punt in the third quarter that looked pretty close to another fastball down the middle. He found an opening, cut to the outside, but was hemmed in by Vikings punter Chris Kluwe. Hester coasted out of bounds and slammed the ball to the ground in frustration. For all Hester has accomplished in his six-year NFL career, the triple-crown — touchdowns on a kickoff, punt and pass reception in the same game — remains elusive. But just give him time. At the rate he's going, he'll get plenty more chances."
Money isn't everything to Bears' Devin Hester
October 10
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Devin Hester is one of the Bears' most marketable stars, a dynamic playmaker and an NFL record-holder. He had several notable endorsements last season, most notably Under Armour and Red Bull, and other companies were offering him hundreds of thousands of dollars. More opportunities are sure to come after his punt return for a touchdown Oct. 2 against the Carolina Panthers gave him sole possession of the NFL record with 13 touchdowns on kickoff and punt returns. But Hester ended his deals with Under Armour and Red Bull during the offseason and said he isn't inclined to take on any other endorsements."
Lions will try to keep Devin Hester from beating them
October 7
Detroit News
 
"There is never a good week to face a return man as consistently dangerous as Devin Hester of the Bears. But for the Lions, this might be a particularly bad time to face him. Hester is the most productive punt and kickoff returner in NFL history, and the Lions coverage units, beset by injuries and miscues, rank near the bottom of the NFC. "It's everything," Lions kicker Jason Hanson said on the challenge Hester presents. "If you've been kicking good, you have to kick it great. If you've been covering OK, you have to cover a lot better. It's a special deal. He's amazing. You don't get out of your game plan, but you treat him as a weapon.""
Is the Bears' Devin Hester a Hall of Famer?
October 5
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Devin Hester is the most prolific kick returner in NFL history. Four games into his sixth season, he already holds career records for punt-return touchdowns (11) and total kick-return touchdowns (15). Is that enough to earn a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame? No one has made the Hall of Fame as a return specialist. The three special-teams players in the Hall are kickers, and only Jan Stenerud was exclusively a specialist. Lou Groza was an all-NFL tackle, and George Blanda threw 236 touchdown passes, 21st on the all-time list. (Hester has modest, though not insignificant, numbers as a wide receiver — 168 receptions, 13.1 yards per catch and 12 touchdowns. But his Hall candidacy is"
Hester shows no signs of slowing down
October 4
Chicago Tribune
 
"He turns 29 next month, but NFL record-holder Devin Hester shows no signs of slowing down, giving him a chance to put his final career numbers in a place where they won't be challenged for a long time to come. Billy "White Shoes" Johnson, the returner on the NFL's 75th anniversary team, said last year Hester could have 20 return touchdowns before he's done. He has 15 now after he broke a tie with Eric Metcalf for the all-time punt return record with his 11th, a 69-yarder Sunday against the Panthers at Soldier Field."
Devin Hester deserves being called best return man of all time
October 3
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"You want to call Devin Hester the best return man of all time? I won't argue. In fact, I'm there leading the charge. And I watched Gale ­Sayers. And Brian Mitchell and Eric Metcalf and Dante Hall and Deion Sanders. Why, I even saw live-action from "Bullet Bob'' Hayes and, yes, Walter Payton, who returned 17 kicks for the Bears for a 31.7-yard average in his first two seasons. But when Hester caught a punt on the Bears' 31-yard line in the second quarter Sunday against the Panthers at Soldier Field, you could see that which is unique exploding."
Bears' Hester sets NFL record with 11th punt return for TD
October 3
Chicago Tribune
 
"While he was playing for Ohio State, Bears rookie Dane Sanzenbacher had seen television highlights of Devin Hester working his magic on the football field, returning kicks and eluding tacklers like a video game icon. During Sunday's 34-29 Bears victory over the Panthers, Sanzenbacher had the opportunity to watch in person as Hester ran through a maze of tacklers en route to a record-setting 69-yard punt return for a touchdown. "It's awesome. That's all-time NFL-type stuff there, so you don't get to see it much," Sanzenbacher said of Hester setting the NFL record for punt returns for touchdowns with his 11th."
Hester looks in the mirror
September 29
Chicago Tribune
 
"With all due respect to a fellow receiver, the last thing Devin Hester wanted to talk about was Roy Williams' chemistry with quarterback Jay Cutler. "I don't talk about anybody else," Hester said Wednesday. "I can only talk about myself. What Roy has going on, that's for him. I can only control what I can do." Hester's focus this week is to get better in areas that continue to plague the receiving corps as a whole. "I need to improve on a lot of things, but I really need to get clearer separation on my guy,'' Hester said. "Certain times, I was open but could have been even more open. It just comes from accelerating out of my breaks and make sure I'm getting (the defender's) hand off me"
Hester's frustration gets better of him
September 26
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester was fed up, and his reaction proved costly. The Bears receiver tussled with former University of Miami teammate Sam Shields throughout Sunday's game. Shoves turned to blows with 8 minutes, 31 seconds left and the Bears trailing by 10. "I didn't lose my cool; I just thought enough was enough,'' Hester said. "He pushed me going down the field. Then he pushed me again when I stopped. I pushed him back. He pushed me again, and I reacted. "I wanted to hit him but I paused. My hand barely grazed his helmet. Then he hit me in the face, and I hit him back in the face.''"
Bears receivers need a little love
September 22
Chicago Tribune
 
"As his receivers continue to take flak, Bears assistant Darryl Drake continues to defend them. The latest fallout came after Sunday's 30-13 loss to the Saints. According to the final statistics, starting receivers Devin Hester and Johnny Knox were targeted 15 times and made only three catches. Those numbers didn't take into account the number of rushed throws, overthrows and throwaways quarterback Jay Cutler made under duress. Regardless, critics still wonder if the Bears have enough at receiver — even when Roy Williams (groin) and Earl Bennett (chest) return from injuries — to contend with the Packers on Sunday at Soldier Field or with any other formidable foe down the road."
Kickoff rules won't reduce concussions: Hester
September 17
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester was not part of a record-setting weekend for returns in the NFL, but the Bears' dangerous weapon sure enjoyed watching players speed to the end zone all around the league. There were eight return touchdowns — five punts and three kickoffs — on opening weekend, setting a league mark for any week in NFL history, proof that new kickoff rules haven't dramatically changed the landscape. The Bears prepare to face the Saints, who went into the record books for allowing a 108-yard kickoff return by Green Bay rookie Randall Cobb, which tied for the longest all-time. But the biggest thing Hester took out of the weekend was that the rule change — moving kickoffs from the 30- to the"
Hester won't discuss allegations of benefits from booster
August 18
Chicago Tribune
 
"As far as the Bears are concerned, what might have happened at the University of Miami stays at the University of Miami. Stunning allegations of rampant NCAA violations at the school and millions of dollars in impermissible gifts from one rogue booster being lavished on student-athletes came out in a highly detailed Yahoo Sports report that names Devin Hester as one of more than 70 athletes involved. Hester, who is pictured with Hurricanes booster Nevin Shapiro in multiple photos in the Yahoo report, declined to discuss the situation Wednesday, a day after he said he didn't know the man who is serving 20 years in federal prison after being convicted of running a $930 million Ponzi scheme."
Report links Bears' Devin Hester to Miami booster scandal
August 17
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Bears wide receiver Devin Hester was one of several former University of Miami football players who received illegal benefits from a former Hurricanes booster in an ''eight-year run of rampant NCAA rule-breaking,'' according to an investigation by Yahoo! Sports. Nevin Shapiro, 42, of Miami Beach, was sentenced in June to a 20-year prison term after being convicted of securities fraud and money laundering as part of a $930??million Ponzi scheme. In an online report that resulted from an exhaustive, 11-month investigation by Yahoo! Sports, Shapiro said he spent millions of dollars on benefits for at least 72 athletes at Miami from 2002 to 2010 — including, according to Yahoo!, ''cash,"
Bears unlikely to risk Hester on returns in exhibitions
August 13
Chicago Tribune
 
"Don't look for Devin Hester returning kicks or punts in exhibitions. While special teams coordinator Dave Toub said a final determination hasn't been made, he said the electric return man "probably" would not see action starting with Saturday night's opener against the Bills at Soldier Field. "If he's back there (on a punt) he's probably going to fair catch," Toub said. "I don't like putting him in there because I'll tell him to fair catch and he'll say, 'Oh, coach, it was open,' and he'll take off. I don't have to see him in preseason and he's getting a lot of work in practice. We need to evaluate the younger players and see who our backups are." The Bears have been cautious with Hester"
Bears plan for Devin Hester to play bigger offensive role this season
August 8
Chicago Sun-Times
 columnist Sean Jensen
"When he arrived at Olivet Nazarene University, Devin Hester didn't know what role coaches had in store for him. "They haven't really told us," Hester said July 30, a day after players reported for training camp. Now he knows — and he couldn't be more thrilled. During the unusually long offseason, Bears coaches evaluated film of the 2010 season and recognized ­Hester wasn't used enough. "He played even ­better than I thought he did," ­offensive coordinator Mike Martz told the Sun-Times. "He's an outstanding wide receiver. He's very quiet and understated, and we had trouble getting him the ball, but I don't foresee that being an issue this year." Added coach Lovie Smith, "He'll be a huge"
Bears QB Cutler says Hester having 'unbelievable camp'
August 5
Chicago Tribune
 
"Early this offseason, the idea was Devin Hester would lose playing time to Earl Bennett. Hester was asked about the possibility at the outset of training camp and took the professional approach, saying he knows he'll make plays when he has an opportunity. Now with Roy Williams in the mix, it's going to be more interesting how the playing time is divided for a group the Chicago Bears hope is their best at the wide receiver position in a long time. But if Hester's playing time is trimmed from the 66 percent it was at last season as a starter, he looks like he's going to be a more effective performer. That's if early returns in training camp mean anything. Hester made a route adjustment on"
Hester gets his veteran receiver in Williams
July 30
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester has lobbied for veteran wide receivers to come in before. Now, one is finally here, as the Bears have signed Roy Williams, at one time one of the best playmakers in the NFC. Williams' arrival means a couple things. First, it ends the quest some have been on for a big wide receiver. "Have we gotten those questions?" coach Lovie Smith said. "But that doesn't really matter an awful lot. We were looking for receivers that we thought could play. Roy brings quite a bit to it. He is big, he can block, but we think he can win the one-on-one battles. We could talk about him quite a bit. I think he's a great talent that it hasn't quite worked for him yet, but hopefully it will. I think"
Hester wants Bears to sign Santana Moss
July 13
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester tried this route before, with little success. In April of 2009, Hester encouraged the Bears to sign veteran Torry Holt so he could pick Holt's brain about playing the receiver position. Holt signed with the Jaguars instead. Now, as the Bears approach the 2011 season, there's another accomplished receiver Hester would like to join forces with: Santana Moss. "Anybody that can come in and help out the team, I'm down for it, and a guy like (Moss) can come in and really help out a lot," Hester said of his fellow Miami Hurricane. "I'm hoping we can get him." Moss, 32, is on the Bears' radar, and he is viewed as productive player and positive locker room influence. He had a"
Hester wants Bears to sign Santana Moss
July 12
Chicago Tribune
 
"Devin Hester tried this route before, with little success. In April of 2009, Hester encouraged the Bears to sign veteran Torry Holt so he could pick Holt's brain about playing the receiver position. Holt signed with the Jaguars instead. Now, as the Bears approach the 2011 season, there's another accomplished receiver Hester would like to join forces with: Santana Moss. "Anybody that can come in and help out the team, I'm down for it, and a guy like (Moss) can come in and really help out a lot," Hester said of his fellow Miami Hurricane. "I'm hoping we can get him." Moss, 32, is on the Bears' radar, and he is viewed as productive player and positive locker room influence. He had a"
Bears' Devin Hester won't be changing routine after '10 success
July 8
Chicago Sun-Times
 
"Devin Hester changed his workout routine before last season and was pleased with the results. After not scoring on a kick return or punt return during the 2008 and '09 seasons, he returned three punts for touchdowns last season, breaking the NFL record for career return touchdowns with a 64-yarder against the Minnesota Vikings on Dec. 20. This offseason has been strange for everyone because of the league-imposed lockout, but Hester is following the same regimen that he credits for much of his success in 2010. That means he's spending less time lifting weights and more time training on a track to make sure his legs are in condition to excel as a returner and receiver. That's especially"