Hester wins 11th special teams player of week honor

Chicago Bears star Devin Hester was named the NFC's special teams player of the week for the second time in three weeks.

Hester returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown in the Bears' 39-10 win over the Vikings. It was the 16th kick return score of his career, extending an NFL record. Hester had 134 total return yards in the game.

It is the second time he has earned the distinction this season, also winning the honor after a 69-yard punt return for a touchdown in the Week 4 victory over the Carolina Panthers.

The latest honor marked the 11th special teams player of the week award for Hester.

Hester joins six other non-quarterbacks who have earned player of the week honors 11 times or more in their career. The list: Jerry Rice (13), Adam Vinatieri (13), John Carney (13) Barry Sanders (11), LaDainian Tomlinson (11), Jason Hanson (11), Hester (11).

Tampa Bay head coach Raheem Morris talked about the possibility of kicking to Hester in London Sunday, with Hester coming off a chest injury.

"I was hoping the Bears would leave him at home and not bring him to London," Morris joked. "If he shows up, hopefully we still won't see him. Hopefully, we can keep him somewhat out of the game."

Click here to order Devin Hester’s proCane Rookie Card.


(chicagotribune.com)