Following a rough special teams outing against Baylor, the Colorado Buffaloes received a visit from the greatest kick/punt returner in NFL history earlier this week. Devin Hester, who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last month, attended a Colorado practice in Orlando ahead of the Buffs’ Saturday afternoon game at UCF. As documented by Well Off Media, Hester caught up with head coach Deion Sanders and even spoke with CU punt returner LaJohntay Wester.
Hester, who was with two of his sons, had a brief chat with Sanders at a training facility while the Colorado players were having a practice session in the background. Hester finished his illustrious 11-year NFL career with 14 punt return touchdowns, five kick return TDs and 3,311 receiving yards. His most famous play came in 2007 when he returned the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XLI for a touchdown.
Hester was one of seven inductees who were welcomed into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year. He shared an emotional moment with fellow Hall of Famer Sanders at the event in August, highlighting that the two share a strong bond. Hester played 11 seasons in the NFL and earned four Pro Bowl honors. He spent eight years with the Chicago Bears, two years with the Atlanta Falcons, and had a spell with the Baltimore Ravens in 2016 before joining the Seattle Seahawks for the playoffs later that season. Notably, Hester holds the record for the most return touchdowns (21) in NFL history and surpassed Sanders for the record in 2014.
Deion Sanders' Impact on Colorado
Deion Sanders' Colorado (3-1) has enjoyed a bright start to the season. The Buffaloes opened their season with a 31-26 win over ND State but then lost 28-10 against Nebraska. Nonetheless, Colorado has bounced back well, recording a 28-9 win over Colorado State in Week 3 and then beating Baylor 38-31 in Week 4. The Buffaloes will want to extend their good run when they face UCF (3-0) in Week 5 on Saturday.
The UCF Game
Sanders discussed the upcoming game with reporters (via The Daytona Beach Journal):
"I’m excited for the challenge," Sanders said. "I'm looking forward to facing a team like UCF. This is going to be a tough game."
The game will be broadcast live on FOX. Fans can also livestream the contest on Fubo.
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The Importance of Mentorship
Hester's visit to Colorado is a testament to the impact that legendary figures can have on young athletes. It's clear that Sanders is building a culture of excellence at Colorado by bringing in top talent, both on and off the field. With a lineup of accomplished veterans and inspiring figures like Hester, the Buffaloes are poised for a successful season.
While the presence of these NFL greats has been instrumental in building a strong foundation for the team, ultimately, it is the players on the field who will determine the fate of the Colorado Buffaloes. It is the players, fueled by the knowledge and experience of these legends, who will have to execute on the field and deliver the results that fans expect. Whether they can deliver the same winning spirit and championship-winning energy as the Hall of Famers they have been learning from, only time will tell.
