Devin Hester, an NFL and Miami Hurricanes legend, decided to call it a career on Tuesday.
CURTAINS ✌ Appreciate all of the love for all these years!!! Y’all made the ride incredible!!! pic.twitter.com/jkcVrRLcNI
— Devin Hester (@D_Hest23) December 12, 2017
Hester owns an interminable amount of NFL records, including:
- Most non-offensive TDs (20)
- Most punt returns for TDs (14)
- Most kick returns in a single game (2)
- Most total special teams TDs (19)
Hester was also the first player to return a kickoff in the Super Bowl, when he returned the opening kickoff 105 yards against the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLI. He did it in Miami’s Dolphins Stadium, about a half-hour from his alma mater.
Three moments stick out to me from his time with the Canes
- His blocked FG return against Florida in the Peach Bowl
On New Years Eve in 2004, Miami defeated the Gators in the “state championship” 27-10 at the Georgia Dome. The Canes were not rolling though until Hester blocked a Gator FG attempt to open the scoring. Soon, the floodgates opened and Miami won handily.
Lowe's #DefiningMoment: In the 2004 Peach Bowl vs. Florida, Devin Hester ran a blocked FG 78 yards for a TD. @Lowes pic.twitter.com/6BQUmA5eSX
— Miami Hurricanes (@MiamiHurricanes) September 5, 2013
- His punt return against Duke
It may not have been a big game, or a play that effected the outcome, but Hester showed his insane talent on this play.
Devin Hester has officially retired. Thank you for the memories.
— Timeless Sports (@timelesssports_) December 12, 2017
Here's a throwback of @D_Hest23 running circles around Duke for a punt return TD! (2005) pic.twitter.com/4l7CSWEWFc
- His kick return in the UF game at the OB in ‘03
And finally, who can forget the moment the Orange Bowl erupted when Hester took the opining kick back against the Gators in ‘03. Equally unforgettable is that after this play, the Canes were getting steamrolled at home and trailed 33-10. But that all led to one of the most remarkable 2nd half rallies in OB history as the Miami rallied to win 38-33 in an instant classic.
GOAT “@ArmandoSalguero: Devin Hester First KO return for TD - Miami vs Florida 2003 http://t.co/rPW2Hga0Sr”
— Biscayne Bae (@BiscayneBae) September 19, 2014
Devin Hester, thank you for making us all proud. Sincerely, #CanesFam