Devin Hester is widely considered to be the best kick and punt returner in NFL history. The former Chicago Bear and current Atlanta Falcon owns just about every major return record, including combined career special teams touchdowns, kick return touchdowns in a season and punt return touchdowns for both a career and season.
Hester, 31-years-old and likely trending toward the end of a flashy career, is hoping those records lead to a Hall of Fame invitation. He spoke to the Chicago Sun-Times regarding special teams’ place in the Hall of Fame:
When you talk about the Hall of Fame, you don’t really talk about special teams. You talk running back, linebacker, receiver, quarterback kind of guys. The first time a special teams guy made the Hall of Fame, he just opened the window for everyone else…I pretty much have all the return records.
Hester was referencing punter Ray Guy, who was inducted this year, although kicker Jan Stenerud is also in Canton. His talent is undeniable but is a return man deserving of enshrinement? That will be a hot debate following Hester’s retirement and could drag for many years, similar to the Guy fiasco.
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[Pro Football Talk via Chicago Sun-Times]
Photo Courtesy: Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune
GIF Courtesy: Zero Radio GIFs
