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Former Miami star Devin Hester makes bold claim on Hall of Fame odds

Chandler Vesselsby:Chandler Vessels•02/08/22•

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Hunter Martin/Philadelphia Eagles/Getty Images

Devin Hester thinks he has what it takes to be a first ballot Hall of Fame inductee. The former NFL return man is one of five first-time finalists for the 2022 class, which is set to be announced at 9 p.m. ET Thursday.

In an interview with Sports Illustrated, Hester said being a first ballot is something that means a lot to him.

“First-ballot Hall of Famers are Hall of Famers that you don’t have no question that they should be a Hall of Famer,” he said. “You think about the best of the best—best quarterbacks, best running backs, best receivers. I know we don’t have any [full-time] returners in the Hall of Fame, but I did things that have never been done before,” Hester said.

Hester spent the majority of his NFL career with the Chicago Bears from 2006-13. He also played for the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks.

During his rookie season, Hester led the NFL in both kickoff and punt returns for touchdowns. The Bears made the Super Bowl during that year, losing to Peyton Manning and the Indianapolis Colts.

A Miami Hurricanes product, Hester finished his career as the all-time leader in punt returns for touchdowns with 14. He is third in career punt return yards and tied for ninth in kick returns for a touchdown.

Hester claimed that he is the best returner in the history of the league “without a doubt.” However, no full-time special teams player has ever been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Hester said he is confident he will be the first, but whether he gets in this year is a different story.

“In this situation, it’s not us being worried about making the Hall of Fame,” Hester said. “It’s about whether or not we’re gonna be picked on the first ballot.”

Hester was originally drafted as a cornerback in 2006, but never saw that much time at the position. He eventually converted to receiver, posting a career-high 757 yards along with three touchdowns in 2009. With the Hall of Fame ceremony looming, it’s up to the voters to decide Devin Hester is worthy of a first ballot selection.