The legend of Devin Hester continues to build, after he revealed Wednesday that he had a fever over 103 degrees heading into Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions.

That's on top of the ankle sprain that prevented him from practicing last week, as well as swollen tonsils.

So why did he play?

"It was one of them games where we had to win. We needed all our key players," Hester said. "I felt I had a little juice to go, and I just gave it a shot."

Hester returned a punt 82 yards for a touchdown. And while the Bears beat the Lions 37-13, Hester's touchdown was important because it gave the Bears a 20-0 lead.

He said his status was a "game-time decision."

"I kind of woke up feeing better that Sunday, so I gave it a shot," he said.

Hester said he was flattered when others told him it was reminiscent of Michael Jordan and Walter Payton having brilliant performances despite being ill.

"It was a thought in the back of my mind," he said.

"It's an honor," Hester said. "Those guys are elite players. I'm just working my way to get mentioned in that category."

Hester, though, didn't return any balls during the second half. That's because Major Wright and Charles Tillman returned interceptions for touchdowns, so the coaches decided not to field Hester again.