The Chicago Bears may not be having the kind of team success they’ve hoped for, but that hasn’t stopped them from continuing to produce Hall of Fame players. Brian Urlacher made his way into Canton a couple of years ago. Hardly a shock to anybody that watched him play. From there the conversations began. Who would be the next guy? Maybe his linebacker wingman Lance Briggs? Perhaps Charles Tillman, the cornerback who changed the entire way defensive backs play football? No, most agreed that the likeliest choice was Devin Hester. The greatest return man in NFL history.
It appears the Hall of Fame voters agree. According to a recent press release, the 26 semifinalists have been chosen for the upcoming 2022 enshrinement class. There is no shortage of outstanding names. Patrick Willis, Reggie Wayne, DeMarcus Ware, Steve Smith, Sam Mills, and Tory Holt are just some of the few. Right there with them is Hester. Given his accomplishments? It wouldn’t be a shock at all if he goes in.
BREAKING: 7 first-year eligible players are among the list of 26 Modern-Era Player Semifinalists for the Class of 2022.
More on the semifinalists: https://t.co/C4z4QkeAF5#PFHOF22 pic.twitter.com/E9SnNGRGeX
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) November 24, 2021
What is there to say?
The common belief is whether or not an era of the league can be described without mentioning the name of the player. When it comes to the 2000s? There is no way anybody can get away with not mentioning Devin Hester. He was the most electrifying thing in the sport in 2006 and 2007, scoring a ridiculous 11 return touchdowns in the regular season and of course the iconic 12th in Super Bowl XLI.
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By the time he retired in 2017, the man held every meaningful record his position had. In 12 seasons, he’d amassed 20 return touchdowns and over 15,000 all-purpose yards. Not to mention an additional 16 touchdowns as a part-time wide receiver. He was the epitome of instant offense. It’s just unfortunate the Bears weren’t able to get more out of him than they probably should’ve. Not that it seems to matter since it feels like that gold jacket will be his at some point.
