Nathan Vasher Nathaniel DeWayne Vasher ( born November 17 , 1981 ) is a former American football cornerback who played seven seasons in the National Football League ( NFL ) . He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 2004 NFL Draft . He played college football for the University of Texas . Early years . An all - state selection at both cornerback and wide receiver at Texas High School in Texarkana , Texas , Vasher was recruited by the University of Texas at Austin . He started at strong safety for the Longhorns in 2001 and at cornerback in 2002 and 2003 . He intercepted 17 passes in his college career , tying the school record . He also returned punt s and earned All - America honors as a punt returner in 2001 . Professional career . Chicago Bears . The Chicago Bears selected Vasher in the fourth round of 2004 NFL Draft . He began his career with the team as a back - up cornerback , but became a starter by the fourth week of the season . Vasher became the Bears ’ top cornerback after Charles Tillman was sidelined with an injury . In one of his best games of the season , Vasher intercepted one of Ken Dorsey ’ s passes and returned it for a 71 - yard touchdown . Vasher had the best season of his career in 2005 , when he led the Bears and National Football Conference with eight interceptions . He also set a record for the longest return of any kind when he returned Joe Nedney ’ s missed 52 - yard field goal for a 108 - yard touchdown . The record was later tied by teammate Devin Hester ( who returned a missed Jay Feely field goal for a score on November 12 , 2006 against the Giants ) and Ellis Hobbs ( who returned a kickoff for a touchdown on September 9 , 2007 against the Jets ) . The record is now held by Antonio Cromartie , who returned a missed Ryan Longwell field goal 109 yards for a touchdown for San Diego against Minnesota on November 4 , 2007 . Vasher completed the season with an invitation to the Pro Bowl , as well as two player of the week awards . Vasher missed portions of the 2006 season on account of injuries and was limited to only three interceptions . He played a pivotal role in the Bears ’ National Football Conference Championship victory by recovering a fumble and also intercepting Drew Brees in the game ’ s final minutes . He was later assigned to cover Marvin Harrison , one of the Indianapolis Colts ’ top receivers , and limited him to 59 yards , while also assisting Chris Harris in an interception . During the subsequent off - season , the Bears re - signed Vasher and Tillman to long - term contracts . He sustained a groin injury during the third game of the 2007 season and was forced to miss the next ten games while recuperating . He made his return during a Monday Night Football match up against the Minnesota Vikings , in which he intercepted a pass and also helped Brian Urlacher record one by delivering a hit to Robert Ferguson . Vasher continued to struggle with injuries , and lost his starting job to Zack Bowman in 2009 . On March 17 , 2010 , Vasher was released from the Bears . San Diego Chargers . Vasher signed a two - year contract with the San Diego Chargers on March 29 , 2010 but was released in September before playing in a game with the team . Detroit Lions . On September 13 , 2010 Vasher signed with the Detroit Lions . He was re - signed to a one - year deal on March 4 , 2011 . On September 3 , 2011 Vasher was cut by the Lions . Personal . Vasher was invited to throw the ceremonial opening pitch , and sing " Take me out to the Ball Game " at Wrigley Field , for the Chicago Cubs vs . Washington Nationals game on May 6 , 2007 . Vasher was nicknamed " ESPN3 " in college , and " The Interceptor " by Bears fans due to his many interceptions .