Atlanta Falcons

Falcons release Devin Hester

The Falcons have released Devin Hester, who holds the NFL record for return touchdowns and punt return touchdowns.
The Falcons have released Devin Hester, who holds the NFL record for return touchdowns and punt return touchdowns.
July 26, 2016

The Falcons released wide receriver/returner Devin Hester, who was coming off of foot and toe surgery, on Tuesday.

Hester missed most of last season with the foot and turf toe injury.

Hester, a three-time All-Pro, was originally drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round (57th overall) of the 2006 NFL draft. Hester has been one of the NFL’s most dangerous returner. He holds the NFL record in return touchdowns (20) and punt return touchdowns (14).

Last season, Hester was placed on injured-reserve designated to return at the beginning of the season with a toe injury. He returned late in the season and had 269 total return yards over the last five games of the season.

The Falcons signed wide receiver Mohamed Sanu and drafted wide receiver Devin Fuller to add more depth to the receiving corps.

Fuller, running back Tevin Coleman and wide receiver Eric Weems will attempt to replace Hester as the main returner.

The Falcons currently have 87 players on the 90-man roster.

The team reports for training camp on Wednesday and will hold their first practice on Thursday.

About the Author

Honored by the Pro Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his "long and distinguished reporting in the field of pro football," D. Orlando Ledbetter, Esq. has covered the NFL 28 seasons. A graduate of Howard University, he's a winner of Georgia Sportswriter of the Year and three Associated Press Sports Editor awards.

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