Devin Hester says special teams label is 'hindering' his chances at Hall of Fame

Devin Hester sure looked like a future Hall of Famer when he excelled on an NFL football field for over a decade.

Hester was arguably the most electric return man in NFL history when he played for the Chicago Bears. He finished out his career with the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens and Seattle Seahawks.

But Hester was not elected to the Hall of Fame despite being named a finalist.

“I think from just talking to the guys that know more than anybody about the Hall of Fame situation, they were pretty much saying this is the hardest thing for those guys to evaluate,” Hester told Kay Adams on Up and Adams. “First off, just special teams wise is what is hindering the situation. They just don’t know how to figure out how special teams will play a part in the Hall of Fame. I do know that when they do pick five guys each year, the last two years I was the sixth guy to get cut …

“It’s a unique situation where I’m listed as a special team guy and a returner so it’s so hard right now for those guys to figure this out. How to get a special team guy in, but they know that sooner or later I will be in.”

Devin Hester opens up on lack of Hall of Fame induction

Hester was a wide receiver in the league, but made his mark as a kick and punt returner. Hester finished his career 7,333 kick return yards, five touchdowns, 315 punt returns, 3,695 punt return yards and 14 punt returns for touchdowns, an NFL record.

Hester added 16 touchdown receptions and a rushing touchdown on offense.

“I did get frustrated the first year,” Hester admitted. “The second year, you know, I was kind of used to that situation … But that first year I did cry, I was very upset because as a player, you know, I mean, not just looking at first (ballot), but what I did to the game and how I changed the game. From the aspect of a special team wise and unfortunately wasn’t able to be a first ballot, that’s something that I really wanted…

“I started doing some things that (were never) done before. I looked at as you know, hopefully I can be a first ballot and that’s what I worked so hard for as a player. My rookie, second year, third, all the way up to my last year and I really, really wanted to be a first ballot. And unfortunately it didn’t pan out where I wanted to go. But at the end of the day, you know all things worked out for the good. And hopefully I’ll be in soon.”