Bears legend Devin Hester has been named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022, bringing him one step closer from being enshrined among the NFL’s best.
Hester, arguably the best kick returner of all-time, is a three-time first-team All Pro and four-time Pro Bowler. He has more punt returns than anyone in NFL history with 14, his 20 total non-offensive touchdowns are also the most in league history, and he has the highest average yards per punt return among those with at least 300 returns in NFL history.
Simply put, he forever changed the game.
Hester is one of three players who have been named finalists in their first year of eligibility. That also includes Cowboys/Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware and Texans receiver Andre Johnson.
As you can imagine, Bears fans are ecstatic about the news. But even most NFL fans agree that Hester belongs in the Hall of Fame — especially as first ballot.
Here’s the reaction from around the NFL: