Hester attended University of Toledo, where he played for the Toledo team from 2012 to 2016 under coaches Matt Campbell and Jason Candle. He played in 47 games from 2013-2016, recording 161 tackles, 13 sacks, 4 pass deflections, 4 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble recoveries. [2][3]
2012 season
Hester redshirted at the University of Toledo in 2012. [2]
2013 season
Hester made an immediate impact in 2013. He played in all 12 games, starting nine. Totaled 39 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss, and one pass break up. Season-high nine tackles vs. Navy. He earned third-team All-MAC honors. [2]
2014 season
He made second-team All-MAC as a sophomore in 2014, totaling 45 tackles and 7.0 TFL. Season-high eight tackles vs. Northern Illinois. Six tackles vs. Cincinnati and EMU. He had 2.5 tackles for loss vs. Arkansas State in the GoDaddy Bowl. He was in on at least one tackle behind the line of scrimmage in nine games. [2]
2015 season
In his junior season, Hester racked up 34 tackles, 6.5 TFL, 2.5 sacks, and five QB hurries. He registered four tackles, two QB hurries and a pass breakup in bowl win over Temple. He had four tackles and one TFL in a win vs. Arkansas.[4]
2016 season
Hester finished off his career as a Rocket by making second-team All-MAC as a senior, totaling 39 tackles, 5.0 sacks and 8.0 TFL. Voted a team captain as a senior, Hester was on the official watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy (top defensive player) and Outland Trophy (top interior lineman)., and was invited to play in the East-West Shrine Game. [5]
Hester was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the seventh round, 244th overall, in the 2017 NFL draft.[8][9] On September 3, 2018, Hester was waived by the Raiders.[10]
Philadelphia Eagles (first stint)
On September 7, 2018, Hester was signed to the practice squad of the Philadelphia Eagles.[11] He was promoted to the active roster on October 2, 2018.[12] On January 6, 2019, during a wild card game against the Chicago Bears, he tipped a potential game-winning 43-yard field goal by Cody Parkey, a play now infamously known as the Double Doink, to help the Eagles win 16–15.[13] Hester was waived during final roster cuts on August 31, 2019.[14]
Hester signed with the Green Bay Packers on May 1, 2020.[16] He was placed on the COVID-19 reserve list by the team on July 30, 2020,[17] and was activated on August 17, 2020.[18] He was waived/injured on September 5, 2020,[19] and subsequently placed on injured reserve the next day.[20] He was waived with an injury settlement on September 10.[21]
Philadelphia Eagles (second stint)
On November 9, 2020, the Eagles signed Hester to the practice squad.[22] He signed a reserve/future contract with the Eagles on January 4, 2021,[23] and was released on March 9, 2021.[24]
Buffalo Bills
On May 20, 2021, the Buffalo Bills signed Hester to a contract after a successful tryout.[25] On August 27, 2021, he was placed on injured reserve.[26] He was released with an injury settlement on September 8, 2021.[27]
Carolina Panthers
On November 3, 2021, Hester was signed to the Carolina Panthers practice squad.[28] He was released on November 16.[29]
Seattle Sea Dragons
Hester signed with the Seattle Sea Dragons of the XFL prior to the 2023 season. Hester made the opening day roster, but was released on April 5, 2023.[30]
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