Former Atlanta Falcons returner Devin Hester announced his retirement Tuesday on Twitter.
The All-Pro returner and the all-time leader in combined kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns played eight seasons with the Chicago Bears after being drafted in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Miami.
“I always appreciate the opportunities I was given to experience new cities throughout my career and I loved my time in Atlanta, Baltimore and Seattle... I’ve been blessed to have the opportunity to play in the NFL and I walk away satisfied with the impact I was able to have on and off the field. Growing up, nobody thought I would end up in this position and at the end of the day I owe it to those who believed in me and helped me on my path,” Hester wrote.
In his 11-year career as a wide receiver, Hester caught for 3,311 yards and 16 touchdowns.
In two seasons with the Falcons, Hester recorded 504 receiving yards and three total touchdowns, averaged 10.5 yards per kick return and 25.2 yards per punt return. Out of the 19 touchdowns Hester scored off returns in his career, one was with the Falcons.
Hester was released by the Falcons on July 26, 2016 and spent the final regular season of his career with the Baltimore Ravens and had a 2016 playoff appearance after signing with the Seattle Seahawks.
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