Devin Hester ready to electrify NFL London Bowl

Already the most prolific kick returner in the sport’s history, the 28-year-old from Florida will be aiming to add to the 16 kick-off and punt returns he has run in for touchdowns when his Chicago Bears face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in this year’s London Bowl.

No player has ever been elected to the Hall of Fame as a return specialist, but Hester is tipped to make history by coach Lovie Smith.
‘We have the greatest returner in the history of the game in Devin Hester,’ he said.

‘What a sight – every touchdown he’s had, and he just set the punt return TD career record, I’ve had the opportunity to see and it doesn’t get any better than that.’

Defensive end Israel Idonije added: ‘Every time Devin gets the ball in his hands he’s a weapon.

‘He has the potential to make a huge play and to get in the end zone.’
There is also praise from legendary coach Mike Ditka, who led the Bears to their only Super Bowl success 25 years ago.

That side, dubbed the Monsters of Midway, contained star names like running back Walter Peyton, linebacker Mike Singletary, quarterback Jim McMahon and defensive lineman William Perry – who was better known as ‘The Fridge’.

Ditka rightly sings the praises of his men, who remain heroes in the Windy City, but believes Hester is one of the few modern-day Bears who would have fitted alongside them, saying: ‘He could play in anybody’s team.’

Hester left Sunday’s 39-10 victory over the Minnesota Vikings suffering from bruising after hauling in a 48-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Jay Cutler and producing a trademark kick-off return, scampering into the end zone after a 98-yard sprint.

But he is expected to be fit to face the Buccaneers who must try to catch lightning in a bottle.

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


(metro.co.uk)