Devin Hester, who is the NFL's all-time career kick return touchdowns leader, has agreed to terms with the Atlanta Falcons after visiting with the team throughout the past few days.
It is unclear as of right now how much the deal is worth, but sources say that it is a three-year contract.
Hester was apart of the Chicago Bears organization for eight years where he broke almost every kick/punt record in the book. In week 7 of 2013, Hester tied hall of famer Deion Sanders' career punt return record and it is almost certain that Hester will break it before his career comes to an end.
"For the past eight seasons we have been honored to have Devin Hester as a part of our organization," Bears general manager Phil Emery said in a statement. "While Devin has redefined the pinnacle standard of the return position in the NFL, the memories and contributions he has given us cannot be measured by stats or numbers.
The return specialist has posted 18 kick return touchdowns and 13 punt return touchdowns in his career, which are both NFL records.
"Not only is Devin a special player, he is also an exceptional person," said Emery. "He is a great teammate, husband and father. Devin represented the organization off-the-field as well as he did on it. When his career is over, he will always be a welcome member of the Bears family. We thank him for his dedication and wish him and his family all the best."
Not letting Hester leave Atlanta without a deal made was a must for the Falcons, who struggled last year returning the ball. In the previous season running back Jacquizz Rodgers handled kick-offs, while cornerback Robert McClain returned punts. Now both positions will thrive as they'll most likely be taken by Hester.
The Falcons have now added six new pieces this offseason, which are offensive linemen Jon Asamoah and Gabe Carimi, defensive linemen Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson, cornerback Javier Arenas and now wide receiver/return specialist Devin Hester.
"To all my Chicago people, I can't thank you enough for my time in Chicago," Hester wrote on Facebook. "I've always said I wanted to retire a Chicago Bear but sometimes things don't work out the way we would like. Chicago will always hold a special place in my heart and if I am fortunate enough to break the return record, we will have all broken it together no matter where I am. Thank you again and God bless."
It is unclear as of right now how much the deal is worth, but sources say that it is a three-year contract.
Hester was apart of the Chicago Bears organization for eight years where he broke almost every kick/punt record in the book. In week 7 of 2013, Hester tied hall of famer Deion Sanders' career punt return record and it is almost certain that Hester will break it before his career comes to an end.
"For the past eight seasons we have been honored to have Devin Hester as a part of our organization," Bears general manager Phil Emery said in a statement. "While Devin has redefined the pinnacle standard of the return position in the NFL, the memories and contributions he has given us cannot be measured by stats or numbers.
The return specialist has posted 18 kick return touchdowns and 13 punt return touchdowns in his career, which are both NFL records.
"Not only is Devin a special player, he is also an exceptional person," said Emery. "He is a great teammate, husband and father. Devin represented the organization off-the-field as well as he did on it. When his career is over, he will always be a welcome member of the Bears family. We thank him for his dedication and wish him and his family all the best."
Not letting Hester leave Atlanta without a deal made was a must for the Falcons, who struggled last year returning the ball. In the previous season running back Jacquizz Rodgers handled kick-offs, while cornerback Robert McClain returned punts. Now both positions will thrive as they'll most likely be taken by Hester.
The Falcons have now added six new pieces this offseason, which are offensive linemen Jon Asamoah and Gabe Carimi, defensive linemen Paul Soliai and Tyson Jackson, cornerback Javier Arenas and now wide receiver/return specialist Devin Hester.
"To all my Chicago people, I can't thank you enough for my time in Chicago," Hester wrote on Facebook. "I've always said I wanted to retire a Chicago Bear but sometimes things don't work out the way we would like. Chicago will always hold a special place in my heart and if I am fortunate enough to break the return record, we will have all broken it together no matter where I am. Thank you again and God bless."