In his second year of eligibility, Devin Hester was once again snubbed from the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Chicago Bears fans weren't the only ones outraged, and several notable names in the pro football community have vouched for Hester. Legendary defensive back Deion Sanders shared his take on the matter, and he made several excellent points.
"How can Devin Hester not be a Hall of Famer? This is the most idiotic thing I have seen in my life! Devin Hester changed the darn game," he explained. "Devin Hester made it possible that no one went to use the bathroom on fourth downs. They held it until the offense got out there because of Devin Hester."
Spot on, Deion.
Sanders hit on something that's not necessarily quantifiable but certainly should be an important factor in Hall of Fame discussion: game-changing ability.
Amidst Hester's stretch of breaking records and dazzling audiences, the NFL actually CHANGED THE GAME by moving kickoffs forward to induce more touchbacks.
Furthering Sanders' argument, the Hester was most certainly must-watch TV. Fans held their breath anytime he got the ball in his hands. No player has even come remotely close to matching the explosive, big-play ability Hester displayed in the return game.
Nevertheless, we must play the waiting game once again. Devin Hester will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2024 along with former Bears Julius Peppers and Jared Allen.
More must-reads: