Devin Hester, Julius Peppers, Steve McMichael inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024
The wait is finally over. Devin Hester, the greatest return man in NFL history and long-time Chicago Bears legend, will finally have his legacy enshrined forever in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Hester was officially named to the Class of 2024 on Thursday night at the NFL Honors alongside 7 other NFL legends. The Bears […]
The wait is finally over.
Devin Hester, the greatest return man in NFL history and long-time Chicago Bears legend, will finally have his legacy enshrined forever in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Hester was officially named to the Class of 2024 on Thursday night at the NFL Honors alongside 7 other NFL legends. The Bears will also have former defensive end Julius Peppers and defensive tackle Steve McMichael (also known as "Mongo") join Hester in the Class of 2024.
“We are ecstatic and extremely grateful that both Steve McMichael and Devin Hester have been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame," Bears President & CEO Kevin Warren said. "Both of these men were transformative football players who have always represented themselves, their families and the Chicago Bears with dignity, class and grace. We would also like to congratulate Julius Peppers on his enshrinement and we deeply appreciate his positive impact on the Chicago Bears."
Hester finally gets through the door into the Hall of Fame after being a finalist in each of the last two years. His legacy and impact on the game has been more than deserving for Hall of Fame recognition and he finally gets his due.
“[Jim Porter] said out of every guy that got cut off the list, you were the hardest one. You were the last one to get cut,” Hester said after not getting in on his first year on the first ballot. ”It was more so that we know you’re going to get in. We know that’s not a question. We know you’re going to get in. There are some guys out there that been waiting awhile, so we’re going to let those guys get in because we know you’re going to get in."
Hester holds the NFL records in career kick-return touchdowns (19), punt-return touchdowns (14) and overall return touchdowns (20). The threat he showed as a return specialist single-handedly changed the facet of the game with opposing teams legitimately scared to kick the ball his way.
"Devin revolutionized the game," Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey said. "No one had seen anything like him, and there hasn't been anyone like him since. He had opposing head coaches telling their special teams coordinators 'don't kick to that guy' and they suffered the consequences when the message didn't get through. We're delighted that the Hall has recognized Devin's special talents."
Hester was drafted by the Bears with the 57th overall pick in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Bears before ending his career with the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks.
Hester was named to three Pro Bowls and selected as a first-team All-Pro in 2006, 2007 and 2010 with the Bears. In 2006, he led the NFL in punt return yards and had five total return touchdowns. His 92-yard kickoff return to open Super Bowl XLI is still considered one of the greatest plays in Bears (and Super Bowl) history.
Hester once again led the league in with four punt return touchdowns in 2007 and with three in 2010. On special teams, he was a threat to score each time he touched the ball. There was no taking breaks from watching the game in a time when most people did. All eyes were on him each time he stepped on the field to return a kick.
Peppers, one of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history, spent four seasons with the Bears from 2010-2013 after signing with the team as a free agent. He totaled 37.5 sacks, 52 QB hits, 10 forced fumbles and three interceptions. Peppers will be enshrined into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.
“Julius was one of the best free-agent signings in Bears history, and a dominant player on the field,” McCaskey added. “Our congratulations to him.”
Peppers ended his historic career with 159.5 sacks, the fourth-most in NFL history. He was a nine time Pro Bowler, three time first-team All-Pro and also was named the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2002 after recording 12.0 sacks and five forced fumbles with the Carolina Panthers.
Peppers was named to the Pro Bowl in three of his four seasons with the Bears and was a first-team All-Pro in 2010 after racking up 8.0 sacks and 18 QB hits. The pure dominance he had as a pass rusher and his ability to literally put fear into the eyes of opposing quarterbacks will always be remembered.
McMichael, the Bears third selection into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024, played 13 of his 15 seasons for the Bears and was a key piece of Chicago's legendary 1985 Super Bowl champion defense as a defensive tackle. Mongo was named to two Pro Bowls and was a two time first-team All-Pro with the Bears.
"This honor is well deserved and long overdue and we are so happy for Steve and his family," McCaskey said. "To be cut by a team early in your career and then go on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a tremendous accomplishment. Steve showed us all what can be achieved through grit, toughness and hard work, and he has earned his place among game's immortals."
Mongo's 92.5 career sacks with the Bears ranks second in franchise history, only behind fellow Hall of Famer Richard Dent’s 124.5 sacks. That number also ranks fourth in NFL history by a defensive tackle.
Mongo was named one of three Senior finalists for the Class of 2024 being a player who completed his NFL career no later than 1998. He had to earn 80 percent of the votes from a 50-member Selection Committee to be selected.
Mongo revealed in April 2021 that he is suffering from ALS and his wife, Misty, stated: "He needs to see himself enshrined in the Hall of Fame. Please pray for him to get through this," after he was hospitalized back in August.
According to the official press release sent out after he after being named as a finalist, "the hope of being inducted into the Hall of Fame has sustained Steve throughout his three-year fight against the debilitating and cruel disease." It's heartwarming to see the long-time great's wish finally come true.
