Chicago Bears returner Devin Hester firmly believes he has done enough to have "one foot in" the NFL Hall of Fame, his struggles of the last couple seasons aside.
Now in his eighth season, Hester figures he can play at least four more seasons, and a return to the days of just having to focus on being one of the league’s most dynamic special team players puts him that much closer to his desired landing place.
The Bears no longer plan to use Hester in the role of receiver and after much contemplation that suits him just fine. Statistically speaking, the 30-year-old veteran reigns as greatest return man in league history and his next return touchdown will tie Hall of Famer Deion Sanders for the most in NFL history at 19.
And yet, being known as a one-dimensional player does have some disadvantages. So much so, he spent his early off-season wondering if he even still fit into the Bears ongoing plan.
"Right now, I just concentrate on this season and I am pretty sure if the Bears decided to cut me another team will pick me up," he said. "My goal is to retire as a Bear. But I know this is a business. Whatever happens, I want to create enough esteem that there is no stress at the end of the year."
If Hester fulfills the visions he has for himself this season, both next season and even the Hall will easily take care of themselves.
"If I take three or four back this year, it should be considered 80 percent chance of making it,” he said. “But I am not really worried about it right now. I am really focused on this season. After this season, when all the stats add up, hopefully it won't be a question."
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