NFL PLAYER NEWS

Falcons release Devin Hester

The Sports Xchange

July 26, 2016 at 9:38 am.

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Devin Hester (17) returns a punt during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Photo Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Dec 13, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Devin Hester (17) returns a punt during the second quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Photo Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Four-time Pro Bowl return specialist Devin Hester was released by the Atlanta Falcons.

Hester, 33, holds the NFL records with 20 return touchdowns and 14 punt return touchdowns.

A second-round pick in 2006 out of Miami (Fla.), Hester spent his first eight NFL seasons with the Chicago Bears, including two 50-plus catch seasons during an attempted conversion to a regular wide receiver role.

He signed with the Falcons in 2014 and scored touchdowns rushing, receiving and on a punt return.

Hester was limited to five games in 2015 because of toe surgery and entered training camp this week as a question mark because of the injury.