The Chicago Bears have confirmed that return specialist Devin Hester will not be re-signing for the team this off-season.

Hester had reportedly been in talks with the Bears to remain with the team for at least another season, but general manager Phil Emery released a statement to reveal that they would not be bringing the 31-year-old back.

The decision ends an illustrious career in Chicago for Hester, who is the NFL's all-time leader in punt return touchdowns (13) and total kick return touchdowns (18), as well as tying Hall of Famer Deion Sanders for the most regular-season return touchdowns (19).

"For the past eight seasons, we have been honoured to have Devin Hester as a part of our organization," Emery said in his statement.

"While Devin has redefined the pinnacle standard of the return position in the NFL, the memories and contributions he has given us cannot be measured by stats or numbers. Not only is Devin a special player, he is also an exceptional person. He is a great teammate, husband and father.

"Devin represented the organization off the field as well as he did on it. When his career is over, he will always be a welcome member of the Bears family. We thank him for his dedication and wish him and his family all the best."

Hester led the NFL with a career-high 1,436 kick return yards last season.