Many current Chicago Bears players have only played for coach Lovie Smith. Their loyalty to him always was unbending, so it's no surprise that Monday's firing was an emotional one.
Devin Hester said he's not even sure if he wants to continue playing. The 30-year-old told reporters he's considering retirement in the wake of Smith's firing.
"I have my workers' comp papers in my pocket," Hester said, via Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. "See how I feel ... go home and talk to my wife, my family. See where we go from there. I've got two beautiful kids, man, young. Two boys. A lot of stress has been on my mind lately."
It's hard to take the retirement threat too seriously. It's an emotional time, and Hester obviously is close to Smith. Hester's bigger worry -- one that is true throughout the roster -- is if he could be cut with one year left on his contract.
Other longtime Bears, such as pending free-agent linebacker Brian Urlacher, face uncertain futures because they no longer might fit what the next coach wants to accomplish. Hester's role as a wide receiver seems likely to diminish further.
Update: Hester tweeted on Tuesday: "Let me make myself clear the reason why I feel like retiring has nothing to do with Lovie Smith Getting fired." He followed this with: "It's hard to play this game when you're not happy or having fun At what you love to do in life."
Follow Gregg Rosenthal on Twitter @greggrosenthal.
