Vince Young of the Texas Longhorns (ball carrier in top center) rushing for a touchdown. A portion of the end zone is seen as the dark strip at the bottom. The vertical yellow bar is part of the goal post.

A touchdown is a means of scoring in American and Canadian football. Whether running, passing, returning a kickoff or punt, or recovering a turnover, a team scores a touchdown by advancing the ball into the opponent's end zone.

Description[link]

To score a touchdown, one team must take the football into the opposite end zone. The touchdown is scored the instant the ball crosses the plane of the goal line—that is, any part of the ball is in the space on, above, or across the goal line—while in possession of a player whose team is trying to score in that end zone. The play is dead and the touchdown scores the moment the ball crosses the goal line in possession of a player, or the moment the ball comes into possession of an offensive player in the end zone (having established possession by controlling the ball and having one or both feet or another part of the body on the ground). The slightest part of the ball being over the goal line is sufficient for a touchdown to score. However only the ball—not a player's helmet, foot, or other part of the body—counts. Touching one of the pylons at either end of the goal line with the ball constitutes "breaking the plane" as well.

Touchdowns are usually scored by the offense by running or passing the ball. However, the defense can also score a touchdown if they have recovered a fumble or made an interception and return it to the opposing end zone. Special teams can score a touchdown on a kickoff or punt return, or on a return after a missed or blocked field goal attempt or blocked punt. In short, any play in which a player legally carries the ball across the goal line scores a touchdown, the manner in which he gained possession is inconsequential. In the NFL, a touchdown may be awarded by the referee as a penalty for a "Palpably Unfair Act" such as a player coming off the bench during a play and tackling the runner who would otherwise have scored.^[1]

A touchdown is worth six points. The scoring team is also awarded the opportunity for an extra point or a two-point conversion.^[2] Afterwards, the team that scored the touchdown kicks off to the opposing team, if there is any time left.

Unlike a try scored in rugby union or rugby league, and contrary to the event's name, the ball does not need to touch the ground when the player and the ball is inside the end zone.

History[link]

When the first uniform rules for American football were enacted by the newly-formed Intercollegiate Football Association just following the 1876 Rugby season, a touchdown counted for 1/4 of a kicked goal (except in the case of a tie) plus it allowed the offense the chance to kick for goal by placekick or dropkick from a spot along a line perpendicular to the goal line and passing through the point where the ball was touched down, or through a process known as a "punt-out", where the attacking team would kick the ball from the point where it was touched down to a teammate. If the teammate could fair catch the ball, he could follow with a try for goal from the spot of the catch, or resume play as normal (in an attempt to touch down the ball in a spot more advantageous for kicking). The governing rule at the time read: "A match shall be decided by a majority of touchdowns. A goal shall be equal to four touchdowns, but in the case of a tie, a goal kicked from [after] a touchdown shall take precedence over four touchdowns." ^[3]

In 1881, the rules were modified so that a goal kicked from a touchdown took precedence over a goal kicked from the field in breaking ties.^[3]

In 1882, four touchdowns were determined to take precedence over a goal kicked from the field. Two safeties were equivalent to a touchdown.^[3]

In 1883, points were introduced to football, and a touchdown counted as four points. A goal after a touchdown also counted as four points.^[3]

In 1889, the provision requiring the ball to actually be touched to the ground was removed. A touchdown was now scored by possessing the ball beyond the goal line.^[3]

In 1897, the touchdown scored five points, and the goal after touchdown added an additional point.^[3]

In 1900, the definition of touchdown was changed to include situations where the ball becomes dead on or above the goal line.^[3]

In 1912, the value of a touchdown was increased to six points. The end zone was also added. Before the addition of the end zone, forward passes caught beyond the goal line resulted in a loss of possession and a touchback.^[3] (The increase from five points to six did not come until much later in Canada, and the touchdown remained only five points there until 1956.)

The ability to score a touchdown on the point-after attempt (two-point conversion) was added to NCAA football in 1958, high school football in 1969, and the NFL in 1994.^[3][4]

See also[link]

• Football scoring
• Conversion (gridiron football)
• Touchdown celebration
• Touchdown Jesus
• Touchdown pass

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Touchdowns

Jerome Louis Simpson (born February 4, 1986) is an American football wide receiver for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the second round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Coastal Carolina.

Early years[link]

Simpson participated in football, basketball, and track while attending Reidsville High School. As a receiver in football, Simpson was an all-state selection as he led the Rams to consecutive state titles. In his senior season, Simpson won team MVP and set a championship record with 13 receptions for 133 yards and also added a 62-yard touchdown pass. He missed three games his final season, but still managed to total 96 receptions for 1,324 yards and 14 touchdowns, becoming the team's all-time receptions leader. He also played in the North Carolina Shrine Bowl and in the East-West annual game.

In basketball, Simpson led the Rams to their first state basketball championship since 1995. As a senior, he scored 19 points in the title game and winning team MVP honors. He also ran on the state champion 4x400-meter relay team with a time of 3:21 in track.

College career[link]

Freshman season[link]

Jerome Simpson enrolled at Coastal Carolina University in 2004 and started all 11 games as a true freshman at receiver. In the season opener against Morehead State, Simpson recorded four catches for 59 yards and two scores in his collegiate debut. The following game, against Davidson, Simpson totaled 89 yards on six receptions for a touchdown. Against the University of Charleston, Simpson recorded his first ever 100-yard receiving game. He finished the season with 26 catches for 419 yards and eight touchdowns and was honored as the Big South Conference Freshman of the Year.

Sophomore season[link]

Simpson started six out of eleven games as a sophomore. He was named second-team All-Big South and to the South Carolina All-Star Team. He lead the team with 33 receptions for 527 yards and nine touchdowns, all single-season school records. In his best game of the season, a victory over James Madison, Simpson set a school record with 10 receptions for 162 yards and two touchdowns. Against Savannah State, Simpson set another school-record with a 60-yard reception for a touchdown.

Simpson also was a member of the 2006 Big South Men's Championship Track and Field squad. He earned All-Big South honors after finished third in the high jump and long jump, setting a new school record for high jump with 2.05 meters.

Junior season[link]

In 2006, Simpson started in 10 of 12 games. He was named first-team All-Big South, second-team All-American and South Carolina All-Star selections. Teaming with quarterback Tyler Thigpen, Simpson had 61 receptions for 1,077 yards and a Big South record 16 touchdowns, which were also school records. Against Georgia Southern, Simpson set a school record with 207 yards and two scores on only eight receptions. Against No. 3 Furman, he recorded 151 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winning touchdown reception. In the school's first ever NCAA Tournament appearance, Simpson recorded 132 yards and two touchdowns against No. 1 Appalachian State. Simpson led the Big South with five games of 100 yards receiving or more.

Simpson again competed in track and field as a junior, finished third in the NCAA Regionals in long jump and qualified for the 2007 NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships. He was also a part of the 400-meter relay team that set a school record at the Championships.

Senior season[link]

In 2007, Simpson broke all school career receiving records while playing in all 11 games. He posted 41 receptions for 697 yards and 11 touchdowns, all lower than his junior totals.

Professional career[link]

Cincinnati Bengals[link]

Jerome Simpson was selected in the 2nd round, 46th overall by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2008 NFL Draft. He was signed to a four-year contract but did not have any receptions during limited playing time in 2009. Due to injuries to Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco, Simpson made his second career start in Week 16 of the 2010 season and had a breakout performance, catching 6 passes for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns. He followed it up with 12 catches, 124 yards, and a touchdown in a game versus the Ravens to end the season with 18 receptions.

In Week 16 of the 2011 season, Simpson did a front-flip over Arizona Cardinals linebacker Daryl Washington to score a touchdown and landed on his feet.^[1] This move was also touted to be one of the best plays of the decade.^[2]

Minnesota Vikings[link]

Simpson signed with the Minnesota Vikings on April 24, 2012. The deal was worth 2 million dollars over 1 year.^[3]

Police Investigation[link]

In September 2011, police searched Simpson's home after intercepting a package to be delivered to his home containing 2.5 pounds of marijuana. When police arrived at Simpson's home, he allowed them to search his home. Upon searching the home, the police found 6 more pounds of marijuana, scales, empty packages similar to the one intercepted by the police. Simpson's teammate Anthony Collins and his wife were at the residence and were also questioned by the police. No arrests were made.^[4] On January 19, 2012, Simpson was indicted in Covington, Kentucky for "Trafficking in more than eight ounces and less than five pounds of marijuana", a Class D felony, which carries a 1 to 5 year prison sentence if convicted. The NFL has stated it will wait until the police investigation is completed to decide if it will discipline Simpson. On April 5, 2012, Simpson was sentenced to 15 days in jail, 200 hours of community service, and 3 years probation. He will also have to undergo drug testing and pay a $7,500 fine plus court costs. He reportedly visited with the St. Louis Rams before going to jail. ^[5]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Cincinnati Bengals bio
• Simpson's flip over Daryl Washington

Rémi Gaillard
Gaillard in 2011
Born	(1975-02-07) February 7, 1975 (age 37)
Occupation	Pranker, Humorist
Years active	1999–present
Home town	Montpellier, France
Internet information
Web alias(es)	Rémi Gaillard
Web hosting service(s)	YouTube
Website
nimportequi.com.

Rémi Gaillard (born 7 February 1975 in Montpellier, France) is a French humorist who uploads videos on YouTube. After losing his job at a shoe store, Rémi then began to use his free time to have fun and run some pranks on the public. He is the seventeenth most subscribed comedian on YouTube.^[1]

Gaillard gained attention in the French media after performing a well-documented series of pranks, including an appearance disguised as a Lorient soccer player in the 2002 Coupe de France final match, during which he took part in the winners' celebrations and was greeted by the then president of the French Republic, Jacques Chirac. He is also an extremely talented soccer player and has posted videos of his skills.

Gaillard has appeared in several sport events, TV game shows and political rallies.

Concept[link]

Rémi Gaillard became famous for his videos where he displays an "outrageous" style of humour, challenging public norms.^[2] Recurring themes include dressing up as and interpreting the behaviour of various animals in public, racing unsuspecting car-drivers whilst dressed up as Mario, and numerous provocative interactions with parking enforcement officers and the police.

Through his various stunts and pranks Rémi is involved in Culture jamming. In his videos, he is often found mocking the law and induces his viewers to think twice about the norms in today's society.

Gaillard's satirical motto is C'est en faisant n'importe quoi qu'on devient n'importe qui (literally, "It's by doing anything, that one becomes anybody").

Sketches[link]

The majority of Gaillard's sketches are of the hidden camera type, often disguising himself in outlandish costumes for his pranks. In some videos, Gaillard is accompanied by a crowd of friends, giving the action a flashmob-like nature.

Gaillard shot his first sketch in 1999^[2] with a friend in Montpellier, and in 2001, he launched his website nimportequi.com.^[2]

He gained notoriety in 2002 at the finals of the Coupe de France. Disguised as an FC Lorient player, he celebrated the team's victory with the players, shook the hand of the then French President Jacques Chirac and signed autographs, without anyone realizing that he was not a player on the team.

He achieved further YouTube notoriety through his Rocky Balboa parodies, Pac Man costume prank, Mario Kart prank, and his soccer videos. His recent pranks often entail dressing up in large animal costumes; namely, a pig, dog, cat, turtle, snail, bee, shark, kangaroo, spider, beaver, fly, gorilla, chicken, penguin, giraffe, rabbit, butterfly, bat and a sheep.

He occasionally ran into some trouble while shooting his videos but never of the legal kind. He does not have a police record. ^[3]

In 2007, he gained the attention of journalists from Le Monde and made occasional television appearances.^{[citation needed]}. Gaillard also appeared in Orangina, Pepsi, Durex and LG commercials.^{[citation needed]}

On his official site, Gaillard claims over 1.35 billion views on his videos on the web.^[4]. As each of his videos claim at least 1,000,000 views. His most popular video, "Mario Kart", has over 47 million views alone.^[5]

References[link]

External links[link]

• Official website
• Gaillard's channel on YouTube
• Gaillard's Dailymotion channel

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (February 2012)

Mario Mims (born May 19, 1981), better known by his stage name Yo Gotti, is a southern rapper from the northern side of Memphis, Tennessee who was previously known as Lil Yo.

Music career[link]

Independent Albums[link]

Yo Gotti released a string of independent albums. From Da Dope Game 2 Da Rap Game (2000),Self-Explanatory (2001), Life (2003) and Back 2 da Basics (2006) Yo Gotti became very well known in Memphis after the release of his album Life. The song "Dirty South Soldiers" featuring Lil Jon propelled Gotti into the higher ranks of Memphis rappers. The album Back 2 da Basics had even more success. The singles "I Got 'Em", "Full Time", "Shawty", & "Gangsta Party" featuring 8Ball & MJG solidified his status as one of the top rappers from the city.

[edit] Live from the Kitchen (2009-2012)

Yo Gotti's first studio album is called Live From The Kitchen. The album's original first single was titled ""5 Star"" and it was released on May 20, 2009. The single peaked at 79 on the Hot 100, 19 on U.S R&B and 11 on U.S Rap. "Women Lie, Men Lie" was the second official single released December 11, 2009. The song peaked at 81 on 100, 22 on the U.S R&B and 12 on the U.S Rap. "Look In the Mirror" was the third single released 7 months after his second single on July 27, 2010. The song peaked at 97 on the U.S R&B chart "For the Hood" featured rapper Gucci Mane it was released on October 1, 2010 and charted at 86 on the U.S R&B chart. "We Can Get It On" was released May 10, 2011, and the single featured R&B singer Ciara. It peaked at 40 on the U.S R&B Chart. "Single" was released on August 5, 2011. This song is said to be the first "official" single off the album, all the others would be cut from the album. The second single will be a song with rapper Drake, entitled by "All About Mine", produced by Giarad Fleetwood.

Discography[link]

Studio albums

• 2012: Live from the Kitchen

Independent albums

• 2000: From Da Dope Game 2 Da Rap Game
• 2001: Self-Explanatory
• 2003: Life
• 2006: Back 2 da Basics

Mixtapes

• 2006: Full Time Hustlin'
• 2006: I Told U So (Gangsta Grillz)
• 2008: Cocaine Muzik
• 2009: CM2
• 2009: Cocaine Muzik 3
• 2010: Cocaine Muzik 4.5 (Da Documentary)
• 2010: CM5 (White Friday)
• 2011: CM6 (Gangster Of The Year)
• 2011: January 10th (The Mixtape)

Collaboration mixtapes

• 2008: Definition of a G (with Gucci Mane)
• 2010: Cocaine Muzik 4 (with Zedzilla)

References[link]

External links[link]

• Yo Gotti Official Site
• Yo Gotti RCA Label Site
• Yo Gotti | Features Artist | Global Hit Music
• Behind the Scenes, Yo Gotti, "Women Lie, Men Lie" in Los Angeles, February 4, 2010 by Streetgangs.com
• Yo Gotti Interview, Jan 18, 2010
• Non-commercial Yo Gotti mixtapes

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