NASHVILLE - Devin Hester is widely recognized as the greatest return man the National Football League has ever seen.
Over a 12-year NFL career, Hester had five kick return touchdowns, 14 punt return touchdowns, and a touchdown on a returned missed field goal. That's 20 total return touchdowns, which is the most of all time.
Hester's historic career warranted election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 . The Chicago Bears legend will be enshrined in Canton forever. It's crazy to think that Hester was almost a legend for the Tennessee Titans instead.
To celebrate Hester's Hall of Fame induction, the NFL released Hester's “Road to Canton" documentary. During the film, Hester relived his NFL Draft experience back in 2006 and the night he almost became a Tennessee Titan.
"The Tennessee Titans called me during he draft and pretty much told me I was their draft pick," said Hester. "The last five seconds on the clock, the phone went silent and they were like 'Hey, Devin, sorry man we're going to go in another direction."
"20 minutes later, the Bears ended up picking me up and drafting me and it worked out for me for the best."
For whatever reason, the Titans had a last second change of heart and opted not to pick Hester with the 45th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. Tennessee chose USC running back LenDale White instead.
Hester went 57th overall to Chicago and had five return touchdowns as a rookie.
We may never know why Floyd Reese, Jeff Fisher, and the Titans brass redirected their course that night. But it forever altered Hester's life and the history of Tennessee Titans football.
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