The Atlanta Falcons once had the best return specialist in NFL history. Of course, everyone will always remember Devin Hester as a member of the Chicago Bears and they should. But, he was in the 404 for two years so he counts as a Falcon.
While doing USAA’s Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp at the Bears’ complex this week, Hester opened up about his thoughts on the new NFL kickoff rules that were implemented last season.
“I would’ve been a first-ballot [Hall of Famer], no question, with these new rules, man,” Hester said laughing. “But, hey, it is what it is. I’m happy I made the Hall of Fame. For me, my return game got shot away because of the new rule and being able to kick the ball out of bounds and kicking touchbacks.”
He’s talking about a previous rule change that some call the “Devin Hester Rule,” where they moved the kickoff from the 30-yard line to the 35-yard line.
“Being able to have the opportunity, you didn’t even have to have a strong leg because they moved the ball up so far,” he said about that rule change. “You could have a decent leg and still kick touchbacks.”
He should have been first-ballot Hall of Fame regardless of any rules. He’s probably referring to the fact that he only (only?) had five kick return touchdowns in his career. But, that probably seems minuscule when you returned 14 punts to the house in 11 years.
What does Devin Hester think of the new kickoff rules?
I haven’t heard anyone extol the virtues of the 2024 new kickoff rules, which make kickoffs look like something from the UFL. But, apparently Hester is cool with them.
“I like the new kickoff rules,” he said. “I like them because I feel it gives the returner an opportunity to get his hands on the ball, and it also penalizes the kicking team. For me, it’s almost like you’re trying to find a way to bring the return game back where it used to be.”
What Hester isn’t saying is, “if that returner was me.” Big difference between the GOAT and a guy who only has a roster spot because he’ll catch touchbacks or watch the ball shoot through the back of the end zone.
Hester would love to field returns in today’s game
Hester has seen his share of rule changes on kickoffs. In 2009, they banned wedge blocking on returns which made returns more difficult even though Hester probably didn’t even notice.
These new kickoffs look like a completely different animal though, but Hester says it doesn’t matter; guys just have to get used to it.
“As a returner, you find one hole, and you hit it,” he continued. “And there’s nobody else out there. I would love to play in this type of era and this type of return game.
“The lineup and how they have [players] 10 yards apart from each other, it’s something a lot of people have to get used to. Pretty much everybody in the league has to get used to it. 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.”
I admit I never imagined that someone like Hester would feel this way about what looks like a dumb format. However, I recommend that everyone in human history take his word over mine on such matters.
“It limited me, but now they’re forced to kick it. I salute them,” Hester said of the NFL. “I’m glad they changed the rules because it gives guys the opportunity to get their hands on the ball.”
Somehow I think Hester’s NFL record of 19 combined return touchdowns is safe. It was probably untouchable before the changes anyway.
Former Falcons’ KR Devin Hester has Shocking Opinion of New Kickoff Rules