The return of the returner: Bears’ Hester says he feels energized

The oft-stated offseason plan for Devin Hester was to focus on being the Bears’ kick returner. General manager Phil Emery and coach Marc Trestman said it months ago and repeated it again this week.

But there was Hester in a backpedal, covering a receiver Wednesday during the second day of minicamp at Halas Hall. He took a turn during a drill that matched defensive backs against receivers.

“Yeah,” Hester said afterward. “I was just out there playing around.”

And that’s just it. Hester said he’s still having fun even though he has been relegated to watching from the sideline with other specialists for long stretches at practice.

Does he ever look at the receivers and wish he was still working with them like he did under former coach Lovie Smith?

“Nah, I’m past that,” Hester said. “It’s a new season. I’m looking forward to what Coach has in mind for me this year.”

Again, that’s returning to form as the NFL’s best return man. In that regard, Hester said he feels rejuvenated.

“I’m having fun,” Hester said. “I feel more energized, more in shape as far as my legs being fresh by limiting some of my reps. It reminds me of my first two years.”


(suntimes.com)