Legendary return man and so-so wide receiver Devin Hester has been released by the Atlanta Falcons, the team announced Tuesday morning.
Originally drafted in the second round by the Chicago Bears, Hester has NFL records in total return touchdowns (20) and punt return touchdowns (14). Perhaps his most memorable moment came in Super Bowl XLI when he returned the game’s opening kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown in the pouring rain.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVT91mNMS8A
Hester missed most of the 2015 season with a toe injury, returning in Week 13. As a result, he didn’t register any receptions and contributed on a limited basis as a return man, returning eight punts and nine kickoffs for a total of 269 yards.
Throughout the course of his 10-year career, Hester did manage to make somewhat of an impact as a receiver, hauling in 255 receptions for 3,311 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also scored one rushing touchdown.
It remains to be seen if there is a place on another team’s roster for Hester. Ian Rapoport notes Hester has no plans to retire.
Update on 2 ex-#Falcons: Devin Hester has no plans to retire, while Roddy White is in contact with a few teams & he wants to play, I'm told
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 26, 2016
However, being that he will turn 34 this season, perhaps this could mean the end for one of the game’s most dynamic special teams players to ever step onto the gridiron.