There are plenty of Chicago Bears who create considerable debates about their Hall of Fame credentials. Among the most fervent include former left tackle Jimbo Covert and center Jay Hilgenberg. Two critical members of the 1985 Bears. They’ll soon be joined by the likes of Charles Tillman and Lance Briggs. Two outstanding defense with huge numbers but no rings. Then, of course, there is Devin Hester.
The all-time record holder for return touchdowns was undeniably an NFL phenomenon. Someone that every single football fan knew. A player who struck fear in the hearts of opponents thanks to his game-breaking ability. One would think somebody of that reputation and stature would be a shoo-in for Canton. There’s one problem though.
Special teams players have a certain stigma against them in regards to the Hall of Fame. This because many view them as only part-timers who don’t lug near the same load of those who play offense or defense. To date, only three specialists have obtained gold jackets: kickers Jan Stenerud and Morten Andersen, and punter Ray Guy.
Does something like that make Hester nervous about his chances? Not even a little bit.
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Devin Hester sounds more than assured he’ll get in eventually
Hester has always been somebody who operates with supreme confidence. It’s kind of necessary for the position he played. Timid personalities don’t make for great return men. You need to be self-assured a tiny bit crazy. As he told Jon Greenberg of The Athletic, there is no doubt in his mind he’ll be in Canton someday. It’s not just based on pure faith either.
“A lot of people look at the special teams part,” he said. “But when you look at a Hall of Famer, you don’t just look at the position. What did he bring to his team? What did he bring to the league? What vibe did he bring?”
“Being in HOF, I have no doubt in my mind I (will) make it,” he said. “I know I will. When it’s all said and done, there’s no question I will be a Hall of Famer.”
Hester said he knows some things — “There’s some stuff I’ve been told I can’t say.” — that cement his confidence.
It sounds like Hester has heard from credible sources that his candidacy is strong. Dan Pompei, a Hall of Fame writer who just got done helping Brian Urlacher get his jacket, has indicated his belief this is the case as well. If this proves true, he’ll make further history by being the first non-kicking specialist to make the Hall of Fame.
