Devin Hester said that he will not be returning kicks for the Bears next season.

“From my knowledge, I know Chicago wants to go a different route with me,” Hester said.

Hester also thanked Bears fans for their support and indicated he would like to retire as a Bear.Hester, 31, has played with the Bears since being picked in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft and has made the Pro Bowl three times. He is tied for first in NFL history with Deion Sanders for special teams return touchdowns with 19.