Coordinates: 31°56′N 45°17′E / 31.933°N 45.283°E / 31.933; 45.283

Isin and the other major city-states of Hammurabi's Babylonia

Isin (Sumerian: I₃-si-in^ki[1]) was an ancient city-state of lower Mesopotamia about 20 miles south of Nippur at the site of modern Ishan al-Bahriyat in Iraq's Al-Qādisiyyah Governorate.

History[link]

The city lay on the Isinnitum Canal, part of a set of waterways that connected the cities of Mesopotamia. The patron deity of Isin was Nintinuga (Gula) goddess of healing, and a temple to her was built there. The Isin king Enlil-bani reported building a temple to Gula named E-ni-dub-bi, a temple for Sud named E-dim-gal-an-na, a temple E-ur-gi-ra to Ninisina, as well as a temple for the god Ninbgal.^[2][3]

The site of Isin was occupied at least as early as the Early Dynastic Period in the middle of the 3rd millennium BC, and possibly as far back as the Ubaid period. While cuneiform tablets from that time were found, the first epigraphic reference to Isin was not until the Ur III period.

When the deteriorating Third Dynasty of Ur (Ur-III) finally collapsed at the hands of the Elamites at the end of the third millennium BC, a power vacuum was left that other city-states scrambled to fill. The last king of the Ur Dynasty, Ibbi-Sin, had not the resources nor the organized government needed to expel the Elamite invaders. One of his governmental officials, Ishbi-Erra, relocated from Ur to Isin, another city in the south of Mesopotamia, and established himself as a ruler there. One of Ishbi-Erra's year names reports his defeating Ibbi-Sin in battle.^[4]

Although he is not considered part of the Third Dynasty of Ur, Ishbi-Erra did make some attempts at continuing the trappings of that dynasty, most likely to justify his rule.^[4] Ishbi-Erra had ill luck expanding his kingdom, however, for other city-states in Mesopotamia rose to power as well. Eshnunna and Ashur were developing into powerful centers. However, he did succeed in repulsing the Elamites from the Ur region. This gave the Isin dynasty control over the culturally significant cities of Ur, Uruk, and the spiritual center of Nippur.

For over 100 years, Isin flourished. Remains of large buildings projects, such as temples, have been excavated. Many royal edicts and law-codes from that period have been discovered. The centralized political structure of Ur-III was largely continued, with Isin's rulers appointing governors and other local officials to carry out their will in the provinces. Lucrative trade routes to the Persian Gulf remained a crucial source of income for Isin.

The exact events surrounding Isin's disintegration as a kingdom are mostly unknown, but some evidence can be pieced together. Documents indicate that access to water sources presented a huge problem for Isin. Isin also endured an internal coup of a sort when Gungunum the royally appointed governor of Larsa and Lagash province, seized the city of Ur. Ur had been the main center of the Gulf trade; thus this move economically crippled Isin. Additionally, Gungunum's two successors Abisare and Sumuel (c. 1905 BC and 1894 BC) both sought to cut Isin off from its canals by rerouting them into Larsa. At some point, Nippur was also lost. Isin would never recover. Around 1860 BC, an outsider named Enlil-bani seized the throne of Isin, ending the hereditary dynasty established by Ishbi-Erra over 150 years earlier. ^[2]

Although politically and economically weak, Isin maintained its independence from Larsa for at least another forty years, ultimately succumbing to Larsa's ruler Rim-Sin I.

After the First Dynasty of Babylon rose to power in the early 2nd millennium and captured Larsa, much significant construction occurred at Isin. This ended with a destruction dated to around the 27th year of the reign of Samsu-iluna, son of Hammurabi, based on tablets found there.

Later, the Kassites who took over in Babylon after its sack in 1531 BC, resumed building at Isin. The final significant stage of activity occurred during the Second Dynasty of Isin at the end of the 2nd millennium, most notably by king Adad-apla-iddina.

Kings of Isin[link]

First Dynasty of Isin (short chronology)

Culture and Literature[link]

Ishbi-Erra continued many of the cultic practices that had flourished in the preceding Ur III period. He continued acting out the sacred marriage ritual each year. During this ritual, the king played the part of the mortal Dumuzi, and he had sex with a priestess who represented the goddess of love and war, Inanna (also known as Ishtar). This was thought to strengthen the king's relationship to the gods, which would then bring stability and prosperity on the entire country.

The Isin kings continued also the practice of appointing their daughters official priestesses of the moon god of Ur.

The literature of the period also continued in the line of the Ur III traditions when the Isin dynasty was first begun. For example, the royal hymn, a genre started in the preceding millennium, was continued. Many royal hymns written for the Isin rulers mirrored the themes, structure, and language of the Ur ones. Sometimes the hymns were written in the first person of a king's voice; other times, they were pleas of ordinary citizens meant for the ears of a king (sometimes an already dead one).

It was during this period that the Sumerian King List attained its final form, though it used many much earlier sources. The very compilation of the List seems to lead up to the Isin Dynasty itself, which would give it much legitimacy in the minds of the people because the dynasty would then be linked to earlier (albeit sometimes legendary) kings. ^[5]

Archaeology[link]

The site of Isin is a low but sizable mound about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) across and with a maximum height of 8 metres (26 ft). Ishan al-Bahriyat was visited by Stephen Langdon for a day to conduct a sounding, while he was excavating at Kish in 1924.^[6] Most of the major archaeological work at Isin was accomplished in 11 seasons between 1973 and 1989 by a team of German archaeologists led by Barthel Hrouda.^{[7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]} However, as was the case at many sites in Iraq, research was interrupted by the Gulf War (1990-1) and the Iraq War (2003 to present). Since the end of excavations, extensive looting is reported to have occurred at the site. Even when the German team began their work, the site had already been heavily looted.

See also[link]

Ancient Near East portal

• Cities of the Ancient Near East

Notes[link]

Further reading[link]

• Barthel Hrouda, D. Ergebnisse d. Ausgrabungen 1973-1974 (Veroffentlichungen der Kommission zur Erschliessung von Keilschrifttexten), In Kommission bei der C.H. Beck, 1977, ISBN 3-7696-0074-6
• Barthel Hrouda, Isin, Isan Bahriyat II: Die Ergebnisse der Ausgrabungen 1975-1978 (Veroffentlichungen der Kommission zur Erschliessung von Keilschrifttexten), In Kommission bei der C.H. Beck, 1981, ISBN 3-7696-0082-7
• Barthel Hrouda, Isin, Isan Bahriyat III: Die Ergebnisse der Ausgrabungen 1983-1984 (Veroffentlichungen der Kommission zur Erschliessung von Keilschrifttexten), In Kommission bei C.H. Beck, 1987, ISBN 3-7696-0089-4
• Barthel Hrouda, Isin, Isan Bahriyat IV: Die Ergebnisse der Ausgrabungen, 1986-1989 (Veroffentlichungen der Kommission zur Erschliessung von Keilschrifttexten), In Kommission bei C.H. Beck, 1992, ISBN 3-7696-0100-9
• M. van de Mieroop, Crafts in the Early Isin Period: A Study of the Isin Craft Archive from the Reigns of Isbi-Erra and Su-Illisu, Peeters Publishers, 1987, ISBN 90-6831-092-5
• Vaughn Emerson Crawford, Sumerian economic texts from the first dynasty of Isin, Yale University Press, 1954

External links[link]

• Archaeological Site Photographs of Isin at Oriental Institute
• Iraqi Looters Tearing Up Archaeological Sites Edmund L. Andrews. The New York Times, May 23, 2003.

The Details are an indie rock band formed in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The band, formed in late 2005, features vocalist and guitarist Jon Plett (The Home Team), bassist Keli Martin (Sixty Stories, The Western States, Rebel Yell), guitarist Sean Vidal (The Home Team) and drummer Shaun Gibson (Boats, Oldfolks Home, The Bonaduces). Sean and Jon were previously in the band The Home Team. Their current record label is Parliament of Trees.

Within a year of playing around Winnipeg, the band released its debut EP, Marching Sound. The band then embarked on several cross-Canada tours, establishing a hard reputation. In September 2007, the band released their debut full-length titled, Draw a Distance. Draw a Border. which was met with great enthusiasm from radio and bloggers. The Details announced in January 2010 that they had completed work on a full-length album Lost Art, produced by The Weakerthans guitar player Stephen Carroll and Brandon Reid (The National (band)).

Lost Art was released on May 31st 2011. It contains guest appearances from Rusty Matyas of Imaginary Cities, Jenn Grant and Kinley Dowling of Hey Rosetta!. It was produced by produced by The Weakerthans guitar player Stephen Carroll and Brandon Reid (The National (band)), mixed by Daryl Smith (The Weakerthans, Blue Rodeo), and mastered by Ryan Morey (Arcade Fire).

The Original Mark EP, a teaser for Lost Art, was announced for a November 16, 2010, release. It contains a pair of songs from Lost Art, as well as a couple of leftovers from the Draw a Distance. Draw a Border. sessions, and a remixed version of their song Floor Plans.

Draw a Distance. Draw a Border. included appearances by The Weakerthans' Stephen Carroll and Paper Moon's Allison Shevernoha.

The Details have shared the stage with bands such as Jimmy Eat World, Stars (Canadian band), The Constantines, Mother Mother.

Discography[link]

• Marching Sound EP (2006)
• Draw a Distance. Draw a Border. (2007)
• The Original Mark EP (2010)
• Lost Art (2011)

See also[link]

• Music of Canada
• Music of Manitoba
• Canadian rock
• List of Canadian musicians
• List of bands from Canada
• Category:Canadian musical groups

External links[link]

This article includes a list of references, related reading or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (April 2010)

• Official Site
• Myspace Music Page
• Draw a Distance... review
• Much Music Interview

This article about a Canadian band or other musical ensemble is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. v t e

Işın Karaca
in Antalya, 10 May 2008
Background information
Birth name	Işın Funda Büyükkaraca
Born	(1973-03-07) 7 March 1973 (age 39) UK
Genres	Pop
Occupations	Singer, songwriter, record producer, actress
Years active	2001 – present
Labels	Seyhan (2006–) İmaj (2004–2006) Power (2001–2004)
Website	isinkaraca.com

Işın Karaca (Turkish pronunciation: [ɯʃˈɯn kaɾaˈdʒa]) (born 7 March 1973 in London) is a British born Turkish Cypriot pop singer.

Education[link]

She graduated from the London IV King Edward School with a theatre major.

Musical career[link]

	Tutunamadım noicon Başka Bahar noicon
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Işın began her musical career as vocalist for Sezen Aksu. In 1997, she performed songs in the Turkish translation of Disney's Hercules' Soundtrack. She also performed the Turkish translations of this album. In 1999 she became the lead vocalist of the musical group "Panic Attack",^[1] but the group separated before releasing any albums. In 2000 she competed for Turkey on Eurovision Song Contest's pre-eliminations with "Bir Kırık Sevda". She didn't pass pre-eliminations for Eurovision but she represented Turkey in the OGAE Second Chance Contest and became 7th with 104 points.^[2] One year later she tried again with "Kaderimsin", but again she wasn't selected to represent Turkey for Eurovision. In OGAE Second Chance Contest, "Kaderimsin" became 14th with 52 points.^[3] She also appeared in Sezen Aksu's music videos "Oh oh" and "Allahın Varsa". In 2000 she was featured in "Geçmişe Yolculuk" from Fresh B's "Gerçek Kal" album. Until 2001 she continued working as back vocalist of Sezen Aksu. She also modeled for the XL fashion company "Sumak"'s Fall-Winter catalog in 2004–2005. She and her brother Akın Büyükkaraca own a musical production company: Akış Production.

In 2009 November, she modeled for Adil Işık's 2009–2010 Fall-Winter catalogue "Love My Body" collection. The photoshoot was shot by famous Turkish photographer Serkan Şedele.^[4]

[edit] Anadilim Aşk (2001)

She released her debut album, Anadilim Aşk (My Native Language is Love), in 2001 on the label "Power Records". Most of the songs on this album were written by Sezen Aksu, and two of them have lyrics by Ali İlyas. She made a great success with this album, becoming popular all over Turkey. Her first single Tutunamadım and second single Başka Bahar became hits. The video for the third single "Aramıza Yollar" was shot by Waleed Nassif. This video was the first High Definition video in Turkey. Famous Turkish actor Toprak Sergen also appears in this video. There's a video shot for "Doğum Günün Kutlu Olsun Oğlum", but this video was never aired due to conflicts with her music company. First release of this album sold-out quickly and they re-released with an addition of "Tutunamadım (remix)" in 2001. This version also sold-out quickly, and in 2006 it was re-released with "Seyhan Müzik" label. After the first album was released, she contributed to several albums like Selmi Andak's "Uluslararası Ödüllü Selmi Andak Şarkıları", Hakkı Yalçın's "O Şarkılar", Alpay's "Sessiz Kalma" and collection of "Yeni Türkiye Coşku Dolu". She performed a song in soundtrack album of Ezel Akay's movie Where's Firuze?. She also starred in this movie as guest star. In 2004 she formed a group named "Masalcılar [Storytellers]" with Erdem Yörük, Eda Özülkü and Metin Özülkü. They made their first album called "Masalcılar I" in which they tell stories to children. The group intended to make a series of albums like this and they credited this inside the cover of the album, but they never released another project.

	Bekleyelim de Görelim noicon
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[edit] İçinde Aşk Var (2004)

At 2004, She released her second album, İçinde Aşk Var (There's Love Inside). She worked with different writers like Aysel Gürel, Suat Suna, Ümit Sayın. She also wrote a song in this album. This album has only one song written by Sezen Aksu. First video Yetinmeyi Bilir misin? becomes a hit. Second video "Bekleyelim de Görelim" also made a great success. The last video came to a Sezen Aksu cover "Hoşgörü".

In 2006 she contributed in Mehmet Tokat's poetry album "İnadına Seveceğim". Then she performed "Ben Sana Vurgunum" for Ali Kocatepe's tribute album "41 Kere Maşallah" which was a celebration of Ali Kocatepe's 41st year as an artist. She performed "Eski Bir Resim" in rap-singer Ogeday's album "Mecburi İstikamet". She also contributed in charity album "Yaşasın Okulumuz" which aims to make schools or improve the conditions of them, mostly in sub-urban areas.

	Mandalinalar noicon Herşeye Rağmen (33/3) noicon
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[edit] Başka 33/3 (2006)

In 2006 she released her third solo album, 33/3 Başka (Different). She worked with Alper Narman and Fettah Can on this album. She wrote a song for this album too. There are no Sezen Aksu songs in this album. First video Mandalinalar becomes a hit. Second video came to "Kalp Tanrıya Emanet". Third video became "Bırakma".

In 2007 she performed "The Final Countdown" in Dolapdere Big Gang's Just Feel. This is the first song performed in English by Işın Karaca in an official recording.

In 2008 she was featured in Ogeday's Maxi Single. They performed "Eski Bir Resim" in RnB, Electribe, House, Reggaeton and Electronic style.^[5] In June, she performed cover of Esmeray's hit "Unutama Beni" for the theme song of ATV's "Elif" TV series.

[edit] Uyanış (2009)

Işın Karaca's fourth studio album,"Uyanış", was released on 29 May 2009. She worked with Sibel Alaş, Erdem Yörük, Erol Temizel and Zeki Güner on the album. She is also a songwriter for several songs in the album.

Acting career[link]

She had a leading role in a movie called "Sen Ne Dilersen" (International English title:Whatever You Wish) directed by Cem Başeskioglu. The movie has very talented actors like Işık Yenersu, Zeynep Eronat, Yıldız Kenter, Fikret Kuşkan, etc. She made a great performance with her role "Marika" although it's her first career movie.

Işın Karaca at Concert in Ankara, 2005

She was to act in "Herşeyin Bittiği Yerden" directed by Turkish film director and actor Ezel Akay, where she co-starred with Okan Bayülgen. The movie is about 1999 İzmit earthquake. The film was scheduled to be released on January 2009, however it was cancelled due to financial problems.^[6]

Television[link]

In 2005 she hosted a musical program called "Işın Show" in channel ATV. In the show she hosted several popular Turkish singers and actors every week. In 2007 she and Vatan Şaşmaz hosted "Kadın Her Yaşta Güzeldir" which was a beauty contest between mothers. In 2007 she also became the musical coach of Vatan Şaşmaz in "Şarkı Söylemek Lazım", in which popular non-singer celebrities sing songs for the show. They became very successful that they come 4th out of 12 contestants. In mid-2007 she begins hosting a musical show "Haydi Söyle" in channel Turkmax.

Philanthropy[link]

In 2005, she rebuilt the library of "Gölcük Kız Meslek High School" which was damaged in 1999 İzmit earthquake. On 3 July 2005 she gave a charity concert and donated the income to the school.^[7] On 19 April 2006 she opened the library, which was named after her.^[8]

In 2006 she contributed in Yaşasın Okulumuz project, which aims to make schools or improve the conditions of them, mostly in sub-urban areas. She sung the theme song with other artists and gave one of her songs "Sen" to be included in the album made for the project. She also joined the charity night aired on Show TV, where she and other voluntary artists answered calls for donations.

In April 2008, she contributed in charity album "Gel Sende Katıl Umudun Şarkısına" (Come, join the song of hope), a song made for "KACUV" (Foundation of Hope for Kids with Cancer). This project aims to build hygienic houses to be used for treatment of kids who had cancer.

In 2009, she and Sedat Doğan started a project named "Doğudan Doğan Işık" (The light that sets from east). It is an exhibition, which aims renewal of village schools in Turkey. They started their first photoshoot in Mardin.^[9]

Authorship[link]

As of 2 March 2005 she was writing a blog named "Kaleminden" (From her pen) on her official website,^[10] that is mainly about news of her works but occasionally contains her point of view on daily events. The articles sometimes concern about global awarenesses or national problems with a wide range of interests from politics to music industry. She currently had written 66 articles.

In 2005 she announced that she was writing a book. Later she told that it is a diet book named "Büyümek İçin Küçülmek Lazım" (Need to get smaller to grow) and will be published when she is 36 in size.^[11] The book is about her memories while losing weight, and there will be also tips about diet recipes.

In 2008 she became columnist of http://www.2kadin.com website and has been writing since 18 June 2008.^[12] Her columns are about relationships, and her target audience is women.

Discography[link]

Albums[link]

1. Anadilim Aşk [My Native Language is Love] (28 November 2001)
2. İçinde Aşk Var [There's Love Inside] (16 December 2004)
3. Başka 33/3 [Different] (19 June 2006)
4. Uyanış [Awakening] (29 May 2009)
5. Arabesque: Geçmiş, Geçmemiş Hiç... [Arabesque: Past, has never passed...] (22 April 2010)
6. Arabesque II: Geçmiş Bize Yakışıyor [Arabesque II: Past suits us] (June 2011)

Filmography[link]

Awards and nominations[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Işın Karaca

• Official site
• Sen ne dilersen at the Internet Movie Database
• Isin Karaca at the Internet Movie Database
• Işın Karaca discography at MusicBrainz
• Işın Karaca discography at Discogs

See also[link]

• Sezen Aksu
• Music of Turkey
• Turkish pop music

Devin Hester

No. 23     Chicago Bears
Wide receiver / Return specialist
Personal information
Date of birth: (1982-11-04) November 4, 1982 (age 29)
Place of birth: Riviera Beach, Florida
Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) Weight: 190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
College: Miami
NFL Draft: 2006 / Round: 2 / Pick: 57
Debuted in 2006 for the Chicago Bears
Career history
Chicago Bears (2006–present)
Career highlights and awards
3× Pro Bowl (2006, 2007, 2010) 4× All-Pro (2006, 2007, 2010, 2011) 3× NFL Alumni Special Teams Player of the Year (2006, 2007, 2010) 13× NFC Player Of The Week NFC champion (2006) ESPY Breakthrough Player of the Year (2007) NFL 2000s All-Decade Team Ranked #48 in the Top 100 Players of 2012 NFL's All-Time leader in combined Kick/Punt return touchdowns with 18 in NFL history. NFL's All-Time Punt Return Touchdown Leader (13) List of NFL records
Career NFL statistics as of Week 17, 2011
Receptions 194 Receiving Yards 2,565 Total Return Yards 6,101 Total Touchdowns 30 Stats at NFL.com

Devin Hester (born November 4, 1982) is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football (offense, defense, special teams).^[1] Hester was drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He quickly made an impact as a kick returner, and later became one of the team's starting wide receivers. Hester holds the NFL record for most all-time kick and punt return touchdowns.^[2]

Early years[link]

Devin Hester was born to Juanita Brown and Lenorris Hester, Sr. in Riviera Beach, Florida. His parents separated when he was a toddler. Before he became a teenager, his mother was severely injured in a car accident, while his father died of cancer two years later.^[3] His step-father, Derrick Brown, and brother, Lenorris, Jr., helped Hester escape his depression and rebuild his life by introducing him to football. He soon returned to his normal life and began to excel in sports and academics.^[4]

Hester attended first Palm Beach Gardens High, then on to Suncoast High School, where he enjoyed playing football as a cornerback, wide receiver, return specialist, and running back. He earned recognition from SuperPrep.com as the top high school prospect in Florida and Parade, who named Hester onto their All-American team. Hester also participated in the 2002 CaliFlorida Bowl, where he returned a kick for an 80-yard touchdown.^[5][6] His success prompted his teammates to nickname him "Sugar Foot."^[7]

During his youth, Hester enjoyed following the Dallas Cowboys. He especially idolized Deion Sanders, Emmitt Smith and Michael Irvin. He was also a fan of the Chicago Bulls during the Michael Jordan and Phil Jackson era.^[8] Fred Taylor of the University of Florida was Hester's favorite athlete. In addition to football, he also enjoyed playing soccer and following baseball.^[8]

Collegiate career[link]

After completing high school, Hester enrolled at the University of Miami. As a sophomore, he earned national recognition after being named onto the "Walter Camp All-America Team" and "The Sporting News' All-America team." Hester’s recognition was influenced by his prodigious success as a kick returner. His ability to thrust laterally and break away from pursuers made him one of the nation’s most dangerous return specialists.^[5] During his freshman year, Hester returned an opening kick for a 98-yard touchdown against the University of Florida. In a game against Duke University in 2005, Hester broke six tackles while returning an 81-yard punt.^[9] Ultimately, Hester completed his college career with a total of six touchdowns from kick returns, including one blocked field goal return. He also scored one rushing and receiving touchdown and recorded five interceptions as a defensive back.

Hester became the first football player in Miami Hurricanes' recent history to play as member of the special, offensive, and defensive teams.^[1][5] He was known as "Hurricane Hester" by his fans and teammates.^[7] During his productive tenure at the University of Miami, Hester befriended Deion Sanders through Ed Reed, one of Sanders’ teammates who was an alumnus of the University of Miami. Deion Sanders counseled, advised, and encouraged Hester. Hester was also known as "Anytime" in college, which is a tribute to Sanders’ nickname, "Prime Time". He also adopted Sanders’ signature touchdown dance, and showboating maneuvers, which he carried to his future NFL career.^[4]

Professional career[link]

2006[link]

Hester began his professional career in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears, who selected him in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft.^[11] The team originally drafted Hester as a cornerback, but they intended to play him as a return specialist, following the retirement of Jerry Azumah, and departure of Bobby Wade.^[11] The team's decision to draft Hester was initially criticized by fans and sports analysts, who believed the Bears should have spent their early picks on offensive prospects.^[12]

In thirteen weeks as a professional football player, Hester recorded six return touchdowns, including a punt return in his NFL debut, and a then-record tying 108-yard touchdown from a missed field goal against the New York Giants.^[13] He also returned a punt for a clutch 83-yard game-winning touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals to give the Bears the lead in a comeback win, and two kickoff returns in one game against the St. Louis Rams.^[14][15] Following his record-breaking game during Week 14, opposing teams exercised additional caution when allowing Hester to return kicks.^[16][17] During the postseason Hester ran back a punt at a critical moment against the Seattle Seahawks, but it was called back on a blocking penalty. Regardless, the Bears won both NFC playoffs rounds, and advanced to Super Bowl XLI to play the Indianapolis Colts. He started the game on a high note for the Bears by returning the game’s opening kick for a touchdown.^[18] The feat was the first touchdown return of an opening kickoff in Super Bowl history.^[18] It also marked the quickest lead ever taken by any team.^[18] Following the kick, the Colts did not kick the ball directly to Hester, significantly limiting the Bears’ return efforts.^[19]

Hester's feats in 2006 earned him three NFC Special Teams Player of the Week Awards^[20] and a trip to the 2007 Pro Bowl.^[21] After the 2006 season ended, he was named the NFC Player of the Month for December and was a finalist for 2006 Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year.^[22] He was also voted onto the Associated Press’s 2006 All-Pro team with 48 and a half votes, finishing fourth behind LaDainian Tomlinson, Champ Bailey, and Jason Taylor who all received 50 votes.^[23] He finished the 2006 season by accumulating three touchdowns for 600 yards on 47 punt returns, and two touchdowns for 528 yards on 20 kick returns, thus making him one of the league’s most productive kick and punt returners.^[20][24] Even without taking an offensive snap prior to Week 14, Hester was the Bears' second leading scorer, behind kicker Robbie Gould. On a negative note, Hester struggled to control the football at times, having games with multiple fumbles on at least two separate occasions.^[16][25][26]

Many fans speculated that Hester’s speed and prior experience as a wide receiver would earn him a spot on the Bears' offense, similar to teammate Rashied Davis. While Lovie Smith dismissed the speculation, he played Hester as a wide receiver for one play against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on December 17, 2006.^[27][28] Hester attributes his talent to his mentor, Deion Sanders, who Hester claims helped him perfect his return game.^[8][20] Sanders, a former cornerback and kick returner, compliments Hester after every productive performance. However, Sanders also berated Hester for taunting another player en route to his second touchdown return against the St. Louis Rams.^[29][30] His teammates and coaches have also praised Hester. After the 2006 season, he was voted to receive the team's Brian Piccolo Award, which is given to a player who possesses a good character and work ethic.^[31]

2007[link]

Devin Hester fields a punt during Special Teams practice at the Chicago Bears' 2007 Training Camp.

Shortly after losing Super Bowl XLI, Hester and special teams coach Dave Toub spent a significant amount of time working on new return strategies and formations.^[32] Ultimately, Lovie Smith converted Hester into a wide receiver in order to increase the number of opportunities he would receive during a game.^[33] Hester, who originally played as a wide receiver at the University of Miami, was initially hesitant about making the switch to offense, as he wished to follow in the footsteps of Deion Sanders.^[34] However, the Bears’ coaching staff eventually persuaded Hester to make the transition over the summer. During the 2007 off-season, Hester won the Best Breakthrough Athlete ESPY Award.^[35]

Although NFL rules generally require wide receivers to wear jersey numbers in the 10-19 and 80-89 range, players who later change positions are allowed to keep their previous number, as long as it isn't within the 50-79 range for eligible receiver purposes. Hester was allowed to keep number 23, a number normally used for cornerbacks, since it sits outside the 50-79 range. Along with former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Dwight Stone (who wore number 20 during his eight-year stint in Pittsburgh but later wore 80's numbers afterwards), Hester is one of two wide receivers to wear a 20's jersey number since the NFL adopted the rigid uniform numbering system in 1973 that wasn't grandfathered in.

Hester returned his first touchdown of the season, a 73-yard punt return, against the Kansas City Chiefs during Week 2.^[36] He nearly recorded a second touchdown return, but the play was negated by a holding penalty.^[36] Hester established himself as a threat on offense, when he caught an 81-yard touchdown pass from Brian Griese against the Minnesota Vikings.^[37] He also returned a punt for an 89-yard touchdown, though the Bears lost the game. In the weeks to come, many opposing special teams began to kick the ball away from Hester, contributing to, according to Mike Pereira, a 132% increase in kickoffs that went out-of-bounds.^[38] Rod Marinelli, the head coach of the Detroit Lions, placed a strong emphasis on kicking the ball away from Hester, saying, "kick the ball into Lake Michigan and make sure it (sinks) to the bottom."^[39]

Before the Bears’ Week 12 matchup against the Denver Broncos, Todd Sauerbrun infamously stated that he would kick the ball to Hester.^[40] Hester, who had not returned a kick for a touchdown in almost a month, responded by returning a punt and kickoff for touchdowns.^[41] Keith Olbermann, a commentator for NBC Sunday Night Football, awarded Sauerbrun with the dubious "Worst Person in the NFL Award" for kicking the ball to Hester and failing to tackle him.^[42] The two touchdowns gave Hester the most kick returns for touchdowns in the Bears’ franchise history. Hester concluded the season with a 64-yard punt return for a touchdown and a 55-yard touchdown reception against the New Orleans Saints.^[43] He was even given the opportunity to throw a pass on a variation of a wide receiver reverse, but he was sacked while motioning to Bernard Berrian.^[44]

Hester finished the season with six kicks returned for touchdowns, which set a league record.^[45] He finished the season ranking fourth on the League’s all-time combined kick return list, behind Brian Mitchell (13), Eric Metcalf (12), and Dante Hall (12).^[46] Additionally, he amassed 299 yards on twenty receptions as a receiver, though he was often used as a decoy.^[47] His play on offense received mixed commentary. While the Bears’ coaching staff believed Hester showed enough progress to become one of the team's top receivers in 2008, Hester was prone to making small errors, including running routes incorrectly or dropping catches.^[48][49] He drew a fifteen-yard facemask penalty while attempting to fend off a would-be tackler in a game against the Saints, and received a $5,000 fine.^[50] Nevertheless, Hester concluded the season with four Player of the Week Awards, giving him a franchise-high total of seven in his career, and an invitation to the 2008 Pro Bowl.^[51]

2008[link]

Prior to the beginning of the 2008 season, Hester stated that he would not attend the Bears' summer camp unless the team offered him a new contract.^[52] He further voiced his displeasure with his current contract in a phone interview with the Chicago Tribune, commenting, "I can’t go out and play this year making $445,000. Come on, man."^[53] Adam Schefter believes that the Bears are puzzled over how Hester should be classified (as a wide receiver or a return specialist of such a star caliber), and be offered a contract accordingly.^[54] After receiving a $30,000 fine for not attending two days of training, Hester returned to the team's camp.^[55] The team later offered him a new four-year contract extension, worth over $40 million.^[56]

Hester heading to Training Camp

Hester missed the third game of the season after tearing cartilage in his ribs during the previous week.^[57] He returned to the field in the team's Week 4 contest against the Philadelphia Eagles, where he caught his first touchdown of the season. Lovie Smith gave Hester his first starting job as a wide receiver the next week, in place of the injured Brandon Lloyd.^[58] Hester went on to catch five passes for 66 yards and one touchdown.^[59] In the following week, Hester totaled 87 yards on six receptions.

After a Week 8 bye, Hester caught four passes for 42 yards and had an 11-yard run against the Detroit Lions. He eventually lost his kick return duties to Danieal Manning, but began receiving more playing time as a wide receiver.^[60] Between Week 12 and 15, Hester caught 17 passes for 250 yards and one touchdown.^[61] David Haugh of the Chicago Tribune regarded Hester as the team's "biggest threat in the passing game."^[62] He concluded the season by catching 51 passes for a team high 665 yards.^[63] Unlike his previous two seasons in the NFL, Hester did not record a single touchdown return^[63] and only averaged 6.2 yards per punt return.^[64] Lovie Smith commented on Hester at the end of the season by saying, "I know his returns dropped off a little bit this year, but his plate was full there for a while. We think we have a happy medium now for him as a punt returner and continuing to develop as a receiver."^[65] Hester was also selected to play in the 2009 Pro Bowl as a third alternate.^[66]

2009[link]

After the acquisition of Jay Cutler, Hester took on the role as the de facto number one wide receiver.^[67][68] In the first game of the season, Hester caught seven passes from Cutler for 90 yards, including a 36-yard touchdown reception. In the following weeks Hester began to develop a rapport with Cutler and amassed 634 receiving yards and three touchdowns though the first ten weeks of the season. He played the best game of the season on October 25, 2009 against the Cincinnati Bengals, catching eight passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. In a game against the St. Louis Rams during the thirteenth week of the season, Hester injured his calf and missed three starts.^[69] Hester returned to play in the Bears season finale against the Detroit Lions, catching three passes for 75 yards.^[70] Despite missing the three starts, Hester lead the team with 757 receiving yards, and finished behind Greg Olsen in receptions.^[70] Hester built his reputation around his kick returning abilities, but his kickoff-returning duties decreased significantly following the 2007 season finale.^[71] He told the Chicago Tribune that he plans on spending the offseason honing his receiving and returning skills by strengthening in his legs, especially to fully recover from the calf injury he sustained earlier.^[72]

2010[link]

During the off-season, Hester worked on his speed and conditioning by prioritizing running over weight training.^[73] Bears offensive coordinator, Mike Martz, gave Hester the opportunity to work with Isaac Bruce, who was part of Martz's "Greatest Show on Turf". Bruce advised Hester on route-running and basic wide receiver fundamentals. Hester appeared in three preseason games, where he recorded five receptions for 64-yards.^[74]

On September 19, the regular season, Hester caught four passes for 77 yards and a one-handed catch for a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys. The following week, Hester returned a punt for a 62-yard touchdown in a close game against the Green Bay Packers. This was his first touchdown return since the final week of the 2007 season against the New Orleans Saints. On October 17, Hester returned 2 punts for 93 yards and an 89 yard touchdown, in a 23–20 loss against the Seattle Seahawks. The touchdown tied the record for most combined kick and punt return touchdowns in a career with Brian Mitchell (13).^[75] In week 10 of the regular season, Hester caught 4 passes for 38 yards and a 19-yard touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings. Hester was given back his kick return duties, and returned 2 kicks for 100 yards including a run back of 68 yards. Hester also ran back 2 punts for 47 yards including a return of 42 yards. 2 weeks later, Hester caught 3 balls for 86 yards from Jay Cutler, and returned a kick 46 yards in a 31–26 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. On December 20 in a game against the Minnesota Vikings, Hester scored on a 15-yard touchdown pass from Jay Cutler. Later, Hester returned a Chris Kluwe punt 64 yards for a touchdown, which set the all-time NFL record for combined kickoff and punt returns for touchdown with 14, passing Brian Mitchell. It was the tenth punt return for touchdown of his career, tying Eric Metcalf's record for the most punt return touchdowns in a career.^[76][77]

Hester finished the season with 40 receptions for 475 yards and 4 touchdowns. As a return specialist, he amassed 564 yards on punt returns, while averaging 17.1 yards per return and scored 3 touchdowns. Hester was the third leading scorer, behind running back Matt Forte and kicker Robbie Gould. His accomplishments in the 2010 season earned him 2 NFC Special Teams Player of The Week Awards, a trip to the 2011 Pro Bowl, and a selection to the All-Pro Team.^[78][79] Hester was ranked 32nd best player in the League in a poll where active NFL players ranked their top 100 peers.^[80]

2011[link]

On October 2, 2011, Hester became the NFL's all-time leader in punt return touchdowns with 11 when he returned a punt 69 yards for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers^[81] surpassing Eric Metcalf's record. On October 16, 2011 Hester returned a kickoff for a 98 yard TD against the Vikings. On November 13, 2011 Devin Hester returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions.

2012[link]

On April 30, 2012, Bears offensive coordinator Mike Tice and general manager Phil Emery announced that Hester's role will be reduced down to at least 4th-string, and Tice mentioned that the Bears will utilize Hester in a series of plays called the "Hester Package", instead of an every-down receiver.^[82]

NFL career statistics[link]

*Hester returned a Jay Feely missed field goal 108 yards for a touchdown in a game against the Giants.

NFL records[link]

Hester at Lambeau Field before a game

National Football League Records:

• Combined special teams return touchdowns, career: 18 (12 punts, 5 kickoffs, 1 missed field goal)
• Most regular season kick and punt return touchdowns, career: 17
• Punt return touchdowns, career: 12
• Punt return touchdowns, season: 4 (2007)
• Kickoff return touchdowns, game: 2 (Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams, 02006-12-11December 11, 2006)
• Combined kick return touchdowns, season: 6 (2007) (4 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Combined kick return touchdowns, rookie, season: 5 (2006) (3 punts, 2 kickoffs)
• Combined kick return touchdowns, game: 2, twice

• 2, Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams, 02006-12-11December 11, 2006 (2 kickoffs)
• 2, Chicago Bears vs. Denver Broncos, 02007-11-25November 25, 2007 (1 punt, 1 kickoff)

• Non-offensive touchdowns, season: 6, twice

• 6, 2006 (3 punts, 2 kickoffs, 1 missed field goal)
• 6, 2007 (4 punts, 2 kickoffs)

Chicago Bears Franchise Records:

• Most regular season kick and punt return touchdowns: 17
• Most kickoff return yards in a game: 225 yards – Against St. Louis on December 11, 2006
• Most punt return yards in a game: 152 yards – Against Arizona on October 16, 2006
• Most punt return yards in a season: 651 yards – 2007 season
• Longest play: 108 yards* – Against New York Giants on November 12, 2006

*Shared with Nathan Vasher

Personal life[link]

Hester was in a relationship with Tamara James, a women's basketball player he met at the University of Miami. James currently plays professionally for the Washington Mystics. In an interview with the Black Sports Network in 2005, Hester revealed that he was engaged to James.^[1] A later article by the Chicago Tribune confirmed that he had proposed to James on June 6, 2005 at a Miami Heat basketball game.^[4] Hester’s family resides in Florida and was struck by Hurricane Wilma in 2005. Hester has assisted his family financially in helping them rebuild their home.^[83] His brother Lenorris Jr., resides with Hester during the regular season in their Chicago area home. Raised in a Christian household, Hester brings a Bible to every game he plays.^[84]

Hester’s successful rookie year drew him much publicity and popularity. Ever since his record-breaking performance against the Rams, Hester has been offered marketing opportunities from Nike, soft drink, and cell phone companies.^[85] There has also been a surge in the demand for Hester’s jerseys within the Chicago area sporting stores.^[86] Also, Hester was invited to throw the ceremonial opening pitch and sing Take Me Out to the Ball Game at the Chicago Cubs' 2007 home opener.^[87] Along with teammates Rex Grossman and Tommie Harris, Hester appeared on the February 2007 issue of Sports Illustrated for Kids. His reputation has also been bolstered by EA Sports' Madden NFL 08, where Hester's perfect 100 speed rating made him the fastest player in the game's history.^[88] Hester also appeared in a promotional video for the game.^[89] He appeared in commercials for Under Armour in 2008 and 2009.^[90]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikiquote has a collection of quotations related to: Devin Hester

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