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Atlanta Falcons release Devin Hester

By Brad Berreman

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Devin Hester (17) returns a punt in the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers defeated the Falcons 38-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Devin Hester (17) returns a punt in the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Panthers defeated the Falcons 38-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Falcons have released Devin Hester, which may bring an end to the career of the most accomplished return man in NFL history.

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With training camps getting going this week around the NFL, teams are making roster tweaks. At this early point there are very few notable names let go, but the Atlanta Falcons have released wide receiver Devin Hester.

Hester spent the past two seasons with the Falcons, but he played just five games late in 2015 due to a toe injury. ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure has pointed to a slow recovery from January surgery on that toe as a reason for the team’s decision to release him.

Hester made an immediate name for himself in 2006 as a rookie with the Chicago Bears, with five total return touchdowns (two kickoffs, three punts) during the regular season and a return of Super Bowl XLI’s opening kickoff for a touchdown. The Bears made an effort to get Hester’s talent on the field as a wide receiver, and he had more than 50 receptions in back-to-back seasons (2008 and 2009), but any offensive role for Hester never came to full bloom.

Hester is a three-time Pro Bowler as a return man, and he holds NFL records for most total return touchdowns (20) and punt return touchdowns (14). He had a productive first season with Atlanta in 2014, with 1,128 kickoff return yards and 38 receptions, but last season’s injury-plagued campaign and advancing age (33) put Hester’s roster spot in danger heading into this year.

The NFL’s increasing rules to minimize kickoff returns clearly impacts Hester’s value, perhaps more than any other player around the league right now. Add in any concerns the other 31 teams might have about his toe injury, and it’s possible Hester will be forced into retirement.

Assuming we’ve seen the last of Hester on a football field, the questions will soon start regarding his Hall of Fame-worthiness. The merits of someone who was essentially strictly a return man deserve debate, and I’m truly not sure what side I’m on right now. But based on altering strategy, as opposing teams often gave up field position by avoiding kicking to him, Hester stands out over the last decade.

For more NFL news as teams report to training camps, visit our NFL page.

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