Devin Hester, a standout in the world of football, has secured his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame primarily due to his exceptional performance as a kick returner. With an impressive 20 career combined kick return touchdowns and 14 punt return touchdowns, Hester’s achievements remain unmatched. In 2007, he set a record by returning more than four punts in a single season, something no other player has achieved. Given his expertise, Hester’s thoughts on the new NFL kickoff rules are certainly worth noting.
“I like the new kickoff rules,” Hester shared with Fox News Digital after an event at the Chicago Bears’ facility. He believes these rules give returners a better chance to handle the ball and penalize the kicking team, bringing back the excitement of the return game. The intent behind these changes is to increase the number of kickoff returns, making them resemble scrimmage plays, which Hester finds appealing.
The new setup for kickoffs is quite different from the traditional approach. The kicking team now lines up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line, with a “setup zone” for the receiving team between the 30- and 35-yard lines. Hester appreciates that players have to wait until the returner touches the ball or it hits the ground before moving. “I would love to be in that situation where I have guys 10 yards apart, and they can’t move until I touch the ball,” he explained.
Hester, who is now enshrined in the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, admits he envies the players who get to experience this new kickoff rule. Reflecting on his career, he joked, “I would’ve been a first-ballot [Hall of Famer], no question, with these new rules, man.” He feels the previous rules limited his opportunities due to touchbacks being so prevalent because of the ball placement.
Back when Hester played, touchbacks placed the ball at the 20-yard line, a tactic often used against him if the kicker could manage it. This changed to the 25-yard line in 2018, and now, the latest rule places touchbacks at the 30-yard line, further altering the strategy. Hester notes, “It limited me, but now they’re forced to kick it. I salute them.”
In Chicago, Hester recently participated in a USAA-led event for service members, offering a taste of an NFL Scouting Combine. The activities included drills like the 40-yard dash and broad jump, which are used by NFL coaches to assess talent. Hester found the experience rewarding and noted the competitive spirit it fostered among participants.
These boot camps, which have been running for years, now include a live leaderboard to track performances, adding an exciting element to the event. “At the end of the day, they all had fun and competed,” Hester commented on the day’s activities. He enjoyed connecting with the service members, sharing stories, and exchanging insights on routines and football.
Hester related to the participants, mentioning how he has family members who have served, and enjoyed the camaraderie and exchange of experiences. The event was not only a great cause but also a chance for Hester to engage with those who serve, blending his love for football with a shared appreciation for service.
