Chicago Bears: Ranking the top ten Chicago Bears of the 2000s

9. Devin Hester, KR/WR (2006-2013)

Devin Hester was without a doubt one of the most exciting Bears to watch — ever. However, because his success was limited to special teams, we find him at No. 9 on the list.

After two years of success as a return man earned him a spot on the Pro Bowl roster in his first two seasons, head coach Lovie Smith decided to use Hester as a receiver as well. Alas, his success at the receiver position was limited and the Bears eventually gave up on his playing time as a WR.

Nonetheless, Hester was one of the most successful and exciting Bears of the 2000s. He broke numerous NFL records including most career return touchdowns and most career punt return touchdowns. Hester was also selected to four Pro Bowls and the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team.

No doubt, Hester’s highlight reel was quite long. Perhaps his most memorable and significant moment came in Super Bowl XLI. Hester became the first player ever to return the opening kick of a Super Bowl, taking it back 92 yards for the touchdown. The Colts quickly learned their lesson and avoided kicking to Hester for the rest of the game.

Hester’s final career stats were astounding: 3,695 punt returns, 14 punt return touchdowns, 7,333 kick return yards and 5 kick return touchdowns. Not bad.