Former Bears great Devin Hester eligible for Hall of Fame in 2022

On the eve of Super Bowl LV, the NFL announced the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2021, which includes Alan Faneca, Tom Flores, Calvin Johnson, John Lynch, Peyton Manning, Bill Nunn, Drew Pearson and Charles Woodson.

But now, the attention turns to the potential Hall of Fame class of 2022, where one of the greatest Chicago Bears in history will be eligible for the first time.

Former Bears kick returner Devin Hester is among those that will be eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame next year. And given how he literally changed the game, there’s an argument to be made that Hester should get in.

When you’re the best to ever play your position, that should be an automatic bid to the Hall of Fame. Hester was the best kick returner to ever play the game. Not only does he have the stats, he affected the game in a significant way.

Hester, who was a three-time first-team All Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, has an impressive resume. He has more punt returns (14) than anyone in NFL history with 14, his 20 total non-offensive touchdowns are also the most in league history, and he has the highest average yards per punt return among those with at least 300 returns in NFL history.

The only problem is special teamers rarely get inducted into the Hall of Fame. In fact, there are only three: kickers Morten Andersen and Jan Stenerud and punter Ray Guy.

While the discussion has been ongoing about whether Hester will get be inducted into the Hall of Fame, we’re potentially one year away from getting clarity.

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Former Bears playing or coaching in Super Bowl LV