Devin Hester is the greatest return specialist of all-time. And there’s no doubt that the former Chicago Bears playmaker will take his rightful place in Canton as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Just not as a first-ballot inductee.
During the NFL Honors show, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022 was announced, but it unfortunately didn’t include Hester.
There’s been plenty of debate regarding whether or not Hester belonged in the Hall of Fame considering he’s a special teams player — and the only player to make it in solely because of his return specialist status. But there’s something to be said about being the best to ever play your position. And Hester is just that.
Not only do the stats back him up, but Hester changed the game as we know it. He forced teams to kick away from him, giving up valuable field position, because it would be better than giving Hester a chance to return a kick for a touchdown.
Hester would’ve been the 31st Bears player enshrined in Canton, and only the fifth special teams player in the Hall of Fame. His impressive resume features four Pro Bowls, three First-Team All-Pro recognitions, the most punt return touchdowns (14) than anyone in NFL history, and the most non-offensive touchdowns (20) ever.
While Hester didn’t get in on his first try, those that become finalists for the Hall usually get in eventually. Your time is coming, Devin.
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