Devin Hester doesn't hold back on Hall of Fame snub
The Pro Football Hall of Fame made a major mistake for the second consecutive year. Chicago Bears legend and the greatest return man in NFL history, Devin Hester, was left off of the 2023 Hall of Fame class. Many felt like Hester was a first-ball Hall of Famer, but after being passed over last year, […]
The Pro Football Hall of Fame made a major mistake for the second consecutive year. Chicago Bears legend and the greatest return man in NFL history, Devin Hester, was left off of the 2023 Hall of Fame class.
Many felt like Hester was a first-ball Hall of Famer, but after being passed over last year, his second omission caught many by surprise.
Class of 2023
The Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 2023 is below:
- Ronde Barber
- Darrelle Revis
- Joe Thomas
- Zach Thomas
- DeMarcus Ware
- Don Coryell (coach/contributor)
- Chuck Howley (senior)
- Joe Klecko (senior)
- Ken Riley (senior)
Hester was a four-time Pro Bowler in his 11-year career while also being named an All-Pro on three occasions. He led the NFL in punt return yardage and kickoff return yardage twice each.
There is no question that Hester will eventually be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but there is reason to feel slighted.
“I mean, it’s always frustrating when you’re in a situation and what happened last year and then again this year, you know what I mean?” Hester said via ESPN’s Keyshawn, JWill, and Max.
Perhaps he is being slighted because his elite talent was primarily displayed on special teams instead of on the offensive side of the ball. While that shouldn’t matter in the grand scheme of things, it’s a reason some could be biased in the voting process.
“You have all high hopes of making the Hall of Fame and not making it, especially for players that feel like they deserve to be in,” Hester continued. “Certain players, you know, it’s okay. When it comes, it comes. But when you feel like you should be in sooner than later, then it is frustrating.”
Eventually justice will be done and Hester will be enshrined for all of eternity in Canton, Ohio. Unfortunately he will have to wait at least another year to receive football’s highest honor.
Featured image via David Banks – USA TODAY Sports
