Hester’s 14th kick return breaks record

MINNEAPOLIS — Devin Hester is thrilled that he officially has become the greatest return specialist in the history of the NFL.

His 64-yard punt-return score Monday night in the 40-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings was the 14th of his five-year career, 1 more than Brian Mitchell had in 14 seasons.

But he knows how much he owes to his blockers and how much they wanted the record for him. That’s why he teared up and went speechless when asked how important his teammates on the return team are to him.

“I hate sitting here taking all the glory,” Hester said after pausing to compose himself. “There’s 10 other guys out there. I love them all.

“All the glory goes to them. They wanted it bad, and I wanted it bad. I’m just glad that God put me on a team like this.”

To put Hester’s accomplishment in perspective, Mitchell achieved his mark in 223 games; Hester broke it in 74 games. Hester broke the record on his 286th return. Mitchell had 1,070 returns.

Hester also tied Eric Metcalf’s punt-return record of 10 on his 174th attempt. Metcalf had 351 career punt returns.

“Coming out of college, some coaches told me I wasn’t going to be nothing but a kickoff and punt returner, and I wouldn’t play any position in the league,” Hester said. “But I’m here today to say I am a kickoff and punt returner. But at the same time I’m the best to ever do it.”

Hester also caught 2 passes for 23 yards, including a 15-yard touchdown.

Health beat:

The Bears have been remarkably healthy for most of the season and especially now when attrition often sets in with NFL teams. Linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee) was the only player on this week’s injury report.

“I feel real good,” coach Lovie Smith said before Monday’s game. “We’ve been lucky in that sense all year.

“I guess how the guys prepare in the off-season, working out, just getting their bodies ready to go (helps), but to have your entire group and to have hard decisions to make as far as who will be active on game day, that’s something that I like doing each week.”

Weather or not:

Even though the Bears were embarrassed at home in the snow last week by the New England Patriots, the experience was expected to be an advantage Monday night.

“Just with being in Chicago in general (is an advantage),” coach Lovie Smith said. “We don’t expect it to be warm outside. That won’t be an issue.

“Our receivers catch the ball well outside. Our DBs don’t really complain about it, and our quarterback can throw the ball under those conditions, so it shouldn’t be an issue.”