11 months after suiting up as a member of the Seattle Seahawks for what would be the last game of his career, NFL special teams great Devin Hester has officially announced his retirement from the game of football.
"I have good news and bad news. Good news: Commissioner Goodell, you can put the kickoff back at the 30. Bad news: Y'all will have to find a new favorite returner," a statement that Hester posted to Twitter on Tuesday, December 12, read. Hester would go on to complete the witty letter by laying out a prospect that he hopes Pro Football Hall of Fame voters will take seriously, writing: "Hopefully next time I see y'all it'll be in Canton."
On the merits of what he did as a kickoff and punt returner, Hester should most certainly get the nod, as his accomplishments at the position leave him in a league of his own. Hester's 20 total return scores (14 of which came in the regular season, and with 5 coming on the kick off), are at the top of NFL history. And stats aside, the impact that the spark the 35-year-old four-time Pro Bowler gave his teams cannot be quantified.
Hester actually hasn't played this season, and 13 of the 14 TD returns he accumulated during his regular season career came prior to his exit from the Bears in 2014. Thus, it was only a matter of time before the University of Miami product said his goodbyes.
In response to Hester sending special thanks out to former coach Lovie Smith for drafting him, Smith posted an image of Hester with the acronym G.O.A.T. written over him. "I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to coach you. @D_Hest23 the best to ever do it!" the photo's caption read.
Source: Twitter
