It is one of the iconic moments in NFL history, not just Chicago Bears history. No player had ever scored on the opening kickoff to a Super Bowl in over 40 years. That changed in February of 2007 when Devin Hester weaved his way through the Indianapolis Colts’ coverage unit to score in Super Bowl XLI. It was one of those rare moments where everybody wondered if something would happen, and it 100% did. Prophecies were fulfilled. One could argue that singular moment is what helped catapult Hester to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
His gold jacket will be waiting for him at Canton later this summer. To celebrate, Larry Mayer spoke to him about his career for Chicagobears.com. Inevitably, the subject of that Super Bowl return came up. It turns out there are several stories layered around what happened. Everybody knows about how Colts head coach Tony Dungy talked himself into kicking to Hester leading up to the game. What they don’t know is the Bears saw it coming. Then special teams coordinator Dave Toub guaranteed it would happen.
“Saturday night I told our special teams unit they’re going to kick to us because this is the Super Bowl,” Toub said. “All the lights going off. They’re not going to kick a squib kick; they’re going to kick the ball deep and we’re going to get it in our hands, I guarantee it.“
As painful as losing the game was for Hester, he was still in his hometown of Miami. He wanted to celebrate the moment, so he went out clubbing. He wasn’t alone. A fellow Miami alum was with him.
Although the Colts rallied to beat the Bears 29-17—and kept the ball away from Hester most of the rest of the game—they no doubt regretted giving the Hall of Fame return specialist a chance to make history.
“A funny thing about it is that [then Colts receiver] Reggie Wayne and I went out together the same night after the Super Bowl,” Hester said. “We were at a club talking about it the whole night. He was like, ‘Man, I told them not to kick it to you!’“
Keep in mind that the return lasted barely 30 seconds in real-time. Yet the number of stories surrounding it is almost endless. It is a good reminder of how powerful sports can be. It changes lives forever. Where would Hester be today if he had housed that kick? He would’ve still had a terrific career, but maybe Hall of Fame voters wouldn’t have put him in because he lacked a true signature moment. The memories of that return lingered in their minds. It is timeless. Hell, league officials admitted it was a big selling point for their revamping of the new rules that help encourage more kick returns.
The only thing about it was that the incredible moment didn’t lead to a victory. Devin Hester had given the Bears the ultimate hot start. All they had to do was sustain the momentum for 59 more minutes. Sadly, they failed to capitalize due to various circumstances: poor QB play, not sticking with the run, and notable missing pieces on defense. Still, that team accomplished something few others have. It is something to be proud of.
