American Football
Devin Hester exclusive: Bears legend leading Manchester's flag football revolution
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It's not every day a Hall of Famer and multiple NFL record-holder turns up to teach drills at schools in Manchester.
But that's exactly what happened this week when Devin Hester, the greatest returner in NFL history, turned up to run the Chicago Bears Flag Football Clinics for over 500 youngsters.
Hester holds the NFL record for return touchdowns with 19 in total, six more than anyone else in NFL history, a legacy immortalised when he was inducted into Canton in 2024.
He spoke exclusively to DAZN between sessions about inspiring the next generation of flag football players in the UK, and why he believes the sport is on the verge of something big.
Hester on growing UK grassroots flag football
2026 marks year three of the Bears' programme in Manchester, and this time it brings two brand-new leagues to the city for the first time.
The free events were held in Manchester, Oldham and Bolton, and the Northwest have run with it ever since.
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Demand from local schools and players is driving that expansion, and Hester is excited to help grow the sport even further.
"It's about 24 schools involved in it now, and that's great," Hester said. "Who knows how big this will be in 10 years?"
But for Hester, it's not just about the numbers; it's about making a positive difference in the lives of each youngster taking part.
"It opens up a lot of doors for kids who are kind of stuck in their environment. It lets them see the outside," he continued.
"They get to come in and see different things, different types of worlds and situations. It gives them hope. Gives them something to strive for."
The kids weren't the only ones who wanted to get involved.
When he wasn't meeting fans, it was the girls who impressed Hester the most.
"They're more determined. Seems like they're more eager to get good at it. The guys have been doing it for a while, but now I think it'll get more popular with girls.
"And now that the girls are out here trying to showcase their talent, to show that they are part of sport as well, that's great to see."
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Hester eyes flag football's Olympic future
Flag football is set to make its Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028, and Hester is excited about how these initiatives are helping to grow the sport worldwide.
"It's the biggest stage in the world," he said. "It's gonna drive more determination, more training, more work to get to the next level."
LA 2028 will arrive too early for most of the youngsters here this week, but getting a 12-year-old in Oldham excited about a fun new sport is its own special kind of result.
