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Is Devin Hester Answer To Bears Fans' Hopes?

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Nov 26, 2007 10:21 pm US/Central

Is Devin Hester Answer To Bears Fans' Hopes?

Reporting
Jay Levine

CHICAGO (CBS) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 1: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears (File)
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

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Electrifying as they are, we have all already seen Chicago Bears' wide receiver Devin Hester's Sunday kick returns. But hundreds of people waited in line on Monday night, filling up a Jewel grocery store in Gurnee just to meet him. They each donated winter clothing to the Bears' annual coat drive. As CBS 2 Chief Correspondent Jay Levine reports, it's an indication that something very special might be happening.

"I think yesterday (Nov. 25) he made himself the face of the franchise," said WSCR radio host Mike North.

Hester is still growing into that role. Off the field, he is still humble. He patiently signed Monday night everything from Bears footballs to Santa Claus hats.

"I really don't buy into that superstar stuff," Hester said.

On the field, though, he's a showman, telling the crowd to get ready for his next miracle.

"I'm just trying to get the crowd. It's not only a football game, it's a show… people want a show," Hester said. "I try and put on a show for them."

It's a show similar to those we say in Walter Payton's day. As the late Bears star's wife and children kicked off their annual Christmas toy drive Monday night, Walter's son, Jarrett -- Hester's teammate at the University of Miami -- called Hester something special.

Just to be mentioned with Dad or whoever of the Bears, he's gonna be a legend if he keeps doin' what he's doin'," Jarrett Payton said.

Even though he keeps passing records like he passes tacklers on runbacks, and drawing crowds, it's still only his second year in the NFL, and far too soon to call him an icon.

"(Icon), no we try give that away to people too early," North said. "He could go the next 200 games without a return."

While most people think that's unlikely, there are a lot of things can happen to a young player on the way to superstardom; they don't all become Michael Jordan. Although in Hester's case, all the ingredients seem to be there. And at this point, Bears fans and more and more of America seem to think he's the real deal.

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