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USA Today
12 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Devin Hester talks Bears training camp, Hall of Fame, USAA, and more
When the sun is shining at Halas Hall in July and August, you can bet the Chicago Bears are out on the practice fields for training camp as they gear up for the upcoming season. Monday was no exception, with the Bears putting pads on for the first time and competing against one another during individual and team reps. Just a few hundred feet away, however, another competition was taking place at the Walter Payton Center between 50 military members of the USAA. And they were led by one of the greatest Bears players to ever play the game. Bears return specialist and Hall of Famer Devin Hester was up at Halas Hall as part of the USAA's Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp. Military members competed in a variation of the NFL Combine to test their skills and give them a taste of what preparing for the NFL would be like. Participants did a number of drills, including the 40-yard dash, the three-cone shuttle, the broad jump, and more. All competitors were hosted by the USAA and are currently stationed at Naval Station Great Lakes. We got an opportunity to chat with Hester about his involvement with USAA, reflecting back on his induction into the Hall of Fame and who should be next for Chicago. Hester's involvement with USAA While this is the third year USAA has put on the Salute to Service NFL Boot Camp, this was Hester's first time being involved, but he was excited to join in as the coach and come back to Halas Hall. "It was a great opportunity to come back," Hester told Bears Wire. "I have family members that have been in the military and the armed forces. These people are football fans too. So when I had the opportunity to come out and be a part of this event that's going on, I couldn't turn it down." USAA military affairs rep Shawn "Ike" Issacson was thrilled to bring Hester into the fold for how he's always given back to the community. "He just made sense because of the way he's given back for so long," Issacson told Bears Wire. "He's been one of those guys who reaches out and does what he can. It's been an awesome partnership so far." Of course Hester would have impressed on the 40-yard dash or the three-cone shuttle, but there was a drill he claims he dominated. "The little catching drill with the flags dropping," he said. "Today was my first day doing it, and they said the record was at six. I got nine." The combine had a leaderboard, and the winner of each drill received tickets to the Bears' Salute to Service game taking place this November. Hester teased he would also find a special gift for the winner of the 40-yard dash and followed through with a signed Bears helmet. Returning to Halas Hall for training camp It's been over a decade since Hester participated in a Bears training camp, and a lot has changed. Gone are the days of Olivet Nazarene University's campus and football facilities for players to get away to. Instead, players get to work at Halas Hall every day and can go home every single night. While fans may miss the big practice setting down in Bourbonnais, having camp take place in Lake Forest is a welcome change in Hester's eyes. "I love that [camp] is here. It's just a no-brainer," Hester said. "You have everything you need camera crew, the facilities. No disrespect to Bourbonnais and their facilities out there, but it's hard to compete against an NFL facility. I know the players are happy; they're closer to home and can see their family a bit more. It's better to be honest with you." The Bears held their camp in Bourbonnais for 18 years, and Hester participated in eight of them, though he would have preferred staying close to home and practicing at Halas Hall instead. Reflecting on his Hall of Fame moment It's been nearly a full year since Hester officially achieved football immortality when he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. It was a dream come true for Hester, who soaked up every moment from that weekend with many other NFL legends. One year later, though, there is a particular moment that sticks out to him when he reflects on the experience. "The night we got the jackets, the 'Gauntlet,'" he said. "Just something about that Gauntlet—it was unreal because you have to be a Hall of Famer to experience that type of feeling. Unfortunately, there are going to be a lot of people who never get to experience that, but that feeling alone was like walking down memory lane of your whole childhood. It was special." Hester was one of three former Bears greats to get enshrined last year, joining defensive end Julius Peppers and the late Steve "Mongo" McMichael. He was the first return specialist to make it into Canton. Next Bears player to make the Hall of Fame While former Bears defensive end Jared Allen will be enshrined this weekend, he only had a cup of coffee in Chicago. So who should be the next prominent Bears player to make the Hall of Fame? Former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher recently cast his vote for center Olin Kreutz, but Hester has a different opinion. "Probably Charles Tillman," he said. "I feel like players that get into the Hall of Fame do stuff that's never been done before. When you set records and do things that have never been done before, then your name deserves to be among the great ones." Hester and Tillman were teammates for eight seasons, and he got a front-row seat to view Tillman's signature move, the "Peanut Punch." Tillman forced 44 fumbles during his career, the sixth-most in NFL history, and the most among any defensive back. Like Hester, Tillman changed the game as we know it, and his former teammate believes he should get recognized for that.
USA Today
19 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
30 most important Bills players of 2025: No. 15 Max Hairston
As the Buffalo Bills prepare for the 2025 NFL season, we'll take a look at the most important contributors on their roster. They have a ton of cornerstone players who will be returning for another shot at bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Buffalo, and they'll have help from some new additions as well. Leading up to the season, we will be counting down the top 30 most important players on the roster. We'll recap their 2024 season, look ahead to what they'll offer in 2025, and tackle the most pressing questions surrounding them this coming year. Next up on the countdown is Max Hairston. Background Position: Cornerback Age at start of season: 22 Experience: Rookie 2025 cap hit: $2,774,178 2024 recap Max Hairston had a bit of a down year in 2024 at Kentucky as he was forced to miss five games with an AC joint sprain in his shoulder. Yet, he was still named second team All-SEC in 2024, as he was in 2023. He returned three interceptions for touchdowns in his career with the Wildcats. Parlay his college production with a stellar showing at the NFL Combine, where he ran a blazing fast 4.28-second 40-yard dash, and you can see why the Bills were high on him. 2025 outlook Hairston has a big opportunity in front of him with the CB2 role up for grabs after the departure of Rasul Douglas in free agency. He will have to fend off a hungry veteran in Tre'Davious White as well as other young guns aiming for a starting spot on the defense. Given his elite athleticism and his ability to play both man and zone, he has a good opportunity to pick up steam throughout training camp and the preseason and be ready to contribute come the regular season. Biggest question: Is he ready to be an every-down CB at the NFL level? Hairston, although he was a first-round pick, still has a lot to prove to the coaching staff and his teammates in terms of being a reliable player on the outside. Just a few years ago, the Bills took CB Kaiir Elam in the first round, and he never was able to gain the trust of coaches. Consistency will be key for Hairston. In last year's playoff loss, the Bills looked all out of sorts when Christian Benford was forced to leave the game. The team is looking to avoid that situation, and if Hairston can become a difference maker as a rookie it would answer a big question on the defense. 30 Most Important Bills of 2025 Check back as we continue to countdown on our list of the 30 most important Bills ahead of the 2025 season. No. 30 DT T.J. Sanders, No. 29 LB Dorian Williams, No. 28 DT Larry Ogunjobi, No. 27 Alec Anderson, No. 26 DE A.J. Epenesa, No. 25 DT DaQuan Jones, No. 24 TE Dawson Knox, No. 23 WR Elijah Moore, No. 22 WR Joshua Palmer, No. 21 S Cole Bishop, No. 20 K Tyler Bass, No. 19 WR Keon Coleman, No. 18 G David Edwards, No. 17 DE Joey Bosa, No. 16 O'Cyrus Torrence.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Colts' Bernhard Raimann among highest-paid offensive tackles in NFL
After reportedly agreeing to a four-year extension with the Colts, Bernhard Raimann is now among the highest-paid offensive tackles in the NFL. Bernhard Raimann is now one of the highest-paid offensive tackles in the NFL this season after agreeing to a four-year extension with the Indianapolis Colts. According to the NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, Raimann's deal is a four-year extension worth $100 million with $60 million guaranteed. By average annual value, Raimann will enter the 2025 season tied as the sixth-highest paid left tackle at $25 million per year. In terms of total contract value, Raimann's $100 million deal also ranks sixth among left tackles. His $60 million in guaranteed money is tied for the sixth-most as well, per Spotrac. 2025 NFL offensive tackle contract rankings Prior to the extension, Raimann was set to enter the final year of his rookie deal. He is coming off a 2024 season in which he ranked 24th in pass blocking efficiency and 12th in PFF's run-blocking grade. 'The progress that Berny has made from year one to now, it's been pretty incredible,' GM Chris Ballard said at the NFL Combine.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Business
- USA Today
Report: Colts and OT Bernhard Raimann agree to huge contract extension
The Colts and left tackle Bernhard Raimann have reportedly agreed to a huge four-year extension. The Indianapolis Colts and left tackle Bernhard Raimann have agreed to a four-year, $100 million extension, according to Mike Garafolo. Of that $100 million, $60 million of it will be guaranteed. According to Spotrac, with an average annual value of $25 million, Raimann is now tied as the fifth-highest paid left tackle in the NFL this season. A third-round pick in 2022, Raimann was set to enter the final year of his rookie deal this season. In 2023, he put together a breakout season and then improved upon that performance in 2024. Out of 83 eligible tackles last season, Raimann ranked 24th in pass-blocking efficiency. In the run game, Raimann ranked 12th in PFF's run-blocking grade. In addition to that, running back Jonathan Taylor averaged nearly 5.0 yards per rush when running between Raimann and left guard Quenton Nelson last season. 'The progress that Berny has made from year one to now, it's been pretty incredible,' GM Chris Ballard said at the NFL Combine. (Please note that this article will be updated.)
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Dallas Cowboys Hit With Massive Injury News
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. After a Sunday afternoon practice session, the Dallas Cowboys learned that one of their recent additions had suffered a massive setback. The offensive lineman Rob Jones reportedly broke a bone in his neck. According to ESPN's Todd Archer and Adam Schefter, Jones is expected to miss between two-to-three months of action. Back in March, the Cowboys added Jones on a one-year deal. It was for a reported $4.75 million. So far out in Oxnard, the Cowboys have been running Jones with the first team. If all went well, he seemed to be on pace to lock in a starting job come Week 1. Unfortunately, the setback is a major blow, as jones was looking to get a fresh start with the Cowboys. Read More: Dallas Cowboys Strike Extension With Key Dak Prescott Target Entering the NFL back in 2021, Jones was wrapping up a stint with his second college. Back in 2017, Jones attended Highland Community College in Kansas. In 2019, he transferred to Middle Tennessee, where he played for two seasons. Detail view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet during an NFL football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. Detail view of a Dallas Cowboys helmet during an NFL football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 22, 2024 in Arlington, Jones got to the NFL Draft, he was ranked as a top 20 guard in the 2021 class. His athleticism stood out to scouts at the NFL Combine, but he wasn't getting favorable projections. "His wide frame can be a challenge to navigate and there is potential for improvement by making the proper adjustments with hand placement," NFL Draft Analyst Lance Zierlein wrote about Jones back in 2021. "However, his inability to bend and drop his pad level will make it even tougher to create leverage and sustain blocks as an interior player. Sub-package rushers might be too quick for him to handle in protection with his lack of body control." Jones was projected to be a seventh rounder at best. He went undrafted in 2021 and received an opportunity to try and crack the Miami Dolphins' roster. Read More: Dallas Cowboys Insider Makes Bold Miles Sanders Prediction A strong offseason with the Dolphins in 2021 helped Jones make the final roster. He made his NFL debut in the second of the season. His first start came at the end of his rookie season. Jones carved out a four-year stint with the Dolphins. Last season, he started all 17 games at left guard. Unfortunately, he'll spend a large chunk of time rehabbing with the Cowboys, as his latest setback will take him off the field for at least two months of action. For more Dallas Cowboys and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
