Devin Hester expected to lift Atlanta Falcons on special teams
Devin Hester may very well be the greatest kickoff and punt returner of all time. In fact, Hester may be the best special teams player in the history of the NFL.
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Hester holds the NFL record for the most combined kick and punt returns for touchdowns with 19. He also holds the record for most punt returns for touchdowns with 13.
While there have been a plethora of great returnmen and special teams players throughout history, no one can change the course of a game quite like Devin Hester.
After eight years with the Chicago Bears, Hester was not resigned by the team this offseason. During free agency, the Atlanta Falcons quickly scooped up the former Miami Hurricane in hopes of adding a spark to their special teams. Hester is more than ready to do his part on his new squad, and the special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong is happy with what he has seen thus far.
"“I think that one thing that I really enjoy at this point in time is the way he’s approaching it,” special teams coordinator Keith Armstrong said. “He’s approaching it like a pro. He’s not approaching it like, ‘hey, I’ve been there before.’ He knows and understands that this is a different team, and he’s working his tail off.”"
Hester has never been able to find a steady position in the NFL other than on special teams, but his expertise is extremely valuable. Hester averaged more yards on his kick and punt returns last year than the Atlanta Falcons did, so they are hoping for similar production.