Devin Hester Officially Gets 2nd Crack At Hall Of Fame

It was a shock to many Chicago Bears fans when Devin Hester failed to reach the Pro Football Hall of Fame this past year. He richly deserved it. Nobody disputes he is the greatest return man in NFL history. It's not even up for debate. The man changed the game with his ability. One can't mention the 2000s era of football without his name. Thanks to changing rules, it's unlikely anybody will ever come close to what he accomplished. Players like that should end up in the Hall of Fame. Now it appears the man will get another opportunity.

There is pretty much nothing Hester failed to accomplish in his NFL career. He holds the all-time record for most combined kickoff and punt return touchdowns in history. He holds the single-season record of seven, set in 2007. Last but not least, he has one of the greatest signature moments ever when he returned the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XLI for a score. Nobody had done that before, and nobody has done it since. When somebody stands out so much at his position, he belongs in Canton.

Devin Hester will have steep competition.

The 15 modern-era semifinalists feature an array of outstanding players including several names that feel like easy locks.

• Jared Allen
• Willie Anderson
• Ronde Barber
• Dwight Freeney
• Torry Holt
• Andre Johnson
• Albert Lewis
• Darrelle Revis
• Joe Thomas
• Zach Thomas
• DeMarcus Ware
• Reggie Wayne
• Patrick Willis
• Darren Woodson

Looking at that list, it feels like Revis, (Joe) Thomas, and Ware are locks for the honor. That means Devin Hester must beat out the remaining 11 for one of the other four spots. That won't be easy. Not with Johnson, Allen, Freeney, and Willis in the way. It will take a significant push from supporters to get it done. It's not impossible. Hester has a plenty strong enough case. None of those guys can say they're the best ever at what they did. Then again, it felt like the 2022 class wasn't as strong as this one.

One can only hope the man breaks through. He should already have that gold jacket. Leaving him out would go down as one of the greatest snubs in NFL history.