 Hester began his professional career in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears, who selected him in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft with the 57th overall pick.The team originally drafted Hester as a cornerback, but they intended to play him as a return specialist, following the retirement of Jerry Azumah, and departure of Bobby Wade.The team's decision to draft Hester was initially criticized by fans and sports analysts, who believed the Bears should have spent their early picks on offensive prospects.