Chicago Bears legend Devin Hester makes history by becoming the first return specialist to be named to the Hall of Fame.
Add another name to the list of Chicago Bears players who are members of the Football Hall of Fame. On Thursday, the NFL named Devin Hester to wear the yellow jacket. The franchise now has 40 former players as members, most of any team.
The third time was the charm for Hester. He was a finalist in the last two years. Additionally, he made history. He became the first returner to make the Hall.
Hester was an electric player as a returner. He was the Bears’ second-round pick in 2006. He exploded onto the scene scoring a total of five return touchdowns in his rookie season. He also ran a missed field goal for a 108-yard touchdown. His play was one of the biggest reasons the Chicago Bears went to the Super Bowl.
In that game, he took the opening kickoff for a touchdown. It was the quickest score in Super Bowl history. The Indianapolis Colts then decided that was enough. They only used squib kicks to avoid having Hester return another one for a score. Indianapolis ended up winning the game.
Hester was named to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro first team. After that, he made three more Pro Bowls and two more All-Pro first teams. Moreover, he was named to two All-Decade teams, the 2000s and 2010s.
The success continued throughout his career. While he played defensive back and wide receiver as well, it was punt and kickoff return where he shined. For his career, he led the league in return touchdowns four times. His 20 total return touchdowns are a record. Additionally, he had 16 receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown. He and the end zone had a great relationship.
Hester’s enshrinement spotlights other special teams players
Hester is not the first special teams player to make it to the Hall of Fame. Morten Anderson and Jan Stenerud both made it as kickers. Ray Guy made it as a punter. Additionally, George Blanda and Lou Groza both made it as well but they primarily played other positions.
Now that Hester made it as a return specialist, other successful returners might have an opportunity to make it as well. Billy Johnson, also known as “White Shoes”, has a Hall of Fame-worthy resume. He led the league in return touchdowns three times and had 8 total return touchdowns. In his career, he had over 10,000 all-purpose yards and over 4,500 yards from scrimmage. He is a member of the 1970s and 1980s All-Decade teams, as well as the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team.
Eric Metcalf (10) and Brian Mitchell (9) are second on the list of career punt return touchdowns. Neither one was ever a finalist for the Hall of Fame.
Dante Hall, “The Human Joystick”, had 12 total return touchdowns. He was the premiere return specialist before Hester’s arrival.
Now those players can receive some Hall of Fame love with Hester’s enshrinement. They all are worthy of the honor but special teams players do not get the same respect other players receive. Maybe now that changes.
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