By Devin Hester
For Sporting News

I’ve been in Fort Lauderdale, spending a lot of time with my wife, Zingha, and our 17-month-old son, Devin Jr. We’ve been to the zoo, the sea aquarium in Miami, Sea World in Orlando. Just doing a little traveling around Florida.

I love having Devin around. He has brought a real joy into my life. It’s like looking at a little me when I was growing up.

Right now, he’s in the copycat mode; whatever he sees me doing, he tries to do. He can be watching TV and if I’m on the floor doing situps, he’ll come over, lie down next to me and try and do situps. If I’m playing a video game, he’ll want to hold the other controller.

This may sound crazy, but I’m actually writing a parenting column. It’s going to run in one of the Chicago newspapers and also in a Chicago parenting magazine. I want to inspire the fathers out there about how important it is to be in their sons’ lives.

You don’t have to be rich or famous to be a good father. It’s those little things you do for your son that can go a long way. The first 15 or 16 years for a boy is one of the most important times in his life, and if he has to go through that without a father it often hurts him later in life.

My mom and dad divorced when I was a baby, but my father and I have maintained a close relationship. My mom remarried when I was around 2, and my stepfather was always been there and spent a lot of time with me. So I was fortunate because I had two father figures in my life.

Of course, I haven’t forgot about football. The Bears may not be able to work out as a team, but I’m working out and trying to stay in shape.

I work out Monday through Friday, doing a lot of work on the beach, in the sand. I do a lot of ladder drills, speed drills, stance and starts. I also do some cone drills. Just trying to get faster, stronger. Sometimes, I work out with Anthony Reddick, who was one of my roommates at the “U” (University of Miami).

We would have started our offseason program in Chicago by now if it weren’t for the lockout. I’m not pushing the panic button just yet, but at the same time you start to worry how this is going to affect the team in getting ready for next season.

I can’t wait for the season to start and to see if we can defend our NFC North title. I’m especially excited about our game against the Bucs in London. I’ve never been there, so it will be a great opportunity for me and my family.

I just hope coach Lovie (Smith) gives us a chance to go over there a little early so we can see the city.

I have MANY years of experience in trying to appreciate steaming piles of dogshit.

There is not a damned thing wrong with people who are bull shitters.

Thanks for posting that, RFDC. Devin's a good dude.

I have MANY years of experience in trying to appreciate steaming piles of dogshit.

Thanks for posting that, RFDC. Devin's a good dude.

I rarely troll.

Hattrz jus kep on hattin.

I rarely troll.