Devin Hester - Hall of Famer?

[Superman]

Hall of Fame selections get announced tonight. These are the finalists: https://www.nfl.com/news/finalists-for-pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2022-revealed#:~:text=Andre Johnson%2C WR -- 2003,Miami Dolphins%2C 2008 Dallas Cowboys 

 

My question is about Devin Hester. Absolutely electric return man for the Bears, for about two seasons. Never really fit anywhere on offense. although he later had a couple years of decent production as a receiver. But it was his ability to change the game returning punts and kicks that really set him apart. Anyone who was a Colts fan in 2006 knows what it felt like when he returned the opening kickoff of SB41 for a TD. And then we didn't kick it to him again.

 

 

 

But here's his stat page: https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HestDe99.htm 

 

I'm curious what others think. He set the world on fire, burned brightly, but only for a very short time. Would you consider him a Hall of Famer?

[Four2itus]

2 hours ago, Superman said:

Hall of Fame selections get announced tonight. These are the finalists: https://www.nfl.com/news/finalists-for-pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2022-revealed#:~:text=Andre Johnson%2C WR -- 2003,Miami Dolphins%2C 2008 Dallas Cowboys 

Sam Mills was so solid. 

[chad72]

3 hours ago, Superman said:

Hall of Fame selections get announced tonight. These are the finalists: https://www.nfl.com/news/finalists-for-pro-football-hall-of-fame-class-of-2022-revealed#:~:text=Andre Johnson%2C WR -- 2003,Miami Dolphins%2C 2008 Dallas Cowboys 

 

My question is about Devin Hester. Absolutely electric return man for the Bears, for about two seasons. Never really fit anywhere on offense. although he later had a couple years of decent production as a receiver. But it was his ability to change the game returning punts and kicks that really set him apart. Anyone who was a Colts fan in 2006 knows what it felt like when he returned the opening kickoff of SB41 for a TD. And then we didn't kick it to him again.

 

 

 

But here's his stat page: https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HestDe99.htm 

 

I'm curious what others think. He set the world on fire, burned brightly, but only for a very short time. Would you consider him a Hall of Famer?

 

No, not at all a HOF. He would have had to show something like what Cordarelle Patterson has evolved to for longer than 5 years. Playing WR, RB, returner, other roles, much like Troy Brown did multiple roles (on O and D if I am not mistaken) across a decade (probably more). If Patterson continues that trend for a strong 5 years, he won't be a flash in the pan anymore, IMO. 2-3 years is not even a rookie contract worth of years, even for non-1st rounders. To me, 5 years of high level production is what it takes for at least a nomination. Hester's nomination is a case of highlight reels and emotions clouding one's rational basis for evaluation. Just my opinion, of course.

[Zoltan]

He’s a Hall of Famer, it might take awhile but he will make it. He has to many NFL records to not get in. 

[NFLfan]

Have the announcements made?  This may be the year Tony Boselli makes it.  Jared Allen should get in but I read on a Vikings site that he will not make it. I think this is the year for Torry Holt and/or Reggie Wayne.  I think Patrick Willis and Bryant Young should get in. Hester has to wait but I think he will make it. (I am one who voted yes.)

 

[Gramz]

7 minutes ago, NFLfan said:

Have the announcements made?  This may be the year Tony Boselli makes it.  Jared Allen should get in but I read on a Vikings site that he will not make it. I think this is the year for Torry Holt and/or Reggie Wayne.  I think Patrick Willis and Bryant Young should get in. Hester has to wait but I think he will make it. (I am one who voted yes.)

 

Torry and Reggie missed out.. 

 

 

[NFLfan]

14 minutes ago, Gramz said:

Torry and Reggie missed out.. 

 

Thank you. I just noticed that.  Per The Sporting News, the inductees are:

 

LeRoy Butler, S, 1990-2001

Bryant Young, DL, 1994-2007

Sam Mills, LB, 1986-1997

Richard Seymour, DL, 2001-2012

Tony Boselli, OT, 1995-2002

 

I am happy for Sam Mills who is being inducted posthumously.