NEWSLETTER
Here we go again. Chicago Bears legend Devin Hester has made it to the semifinalist round of Pro Football Hall of Fame voting. This is Hester’s third time making the cut. And while I strongly believe he should’ve been in on the first ballot, that he continues to make it this far suggests that his day will come. Perhaps it will come as soon as the next Hall of Fame class, which will be announced in 2024.
Despite being a “C” math student throughout the entirety of my academic life, I consider myself to be a numbers guy. But that is mostly because I find deeper meaning in basic numbers. And with that being said, I’m hoping the third time is truly a charm for Hester in his quest to join pro football immortality:
This is not Devin Hester’s first rodeo. Hester was a finalist in each of the last two years. Getting into that final round of voting is awesome. That anecdote alone is worth sharing with others in an attempt to underscore Hester’s greatness. However, Hester is one of pro football’s all-time great players and deserves enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I might be preaching to the choir as I write to my readership. But as someone who believes that people never get the flowers while they can still smell ’em, I have no problem writing (and re-writing) this post.
MORE: Devin Hester Says Hall of Fame President Told Him “We Know You’re Going to Get In”
Then again, I’d like to — at some point — not have to write this post anymore. Moreover, I’m looking forward to writing the “Devin Hester is a Pro Football Hall of Famer” post sooner rather than later. It’s not as if he isn’t deserving of it. Maybe this is one of those ordeals where the waiting is the hardest part. I’ve been told a time or two that good things come to those who wait. Ideally, Hester’s good thing comes by way of induction and enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024.
Devin Hester’s Hall of Fame résumé
It doesn’t matter to me that this is the third time Hester has made it to the semifinalist round of Pro Football Hall of Fame voting. I am fully committed to sharing (and re-sharing) (and sharing again if I have to) Hester’s Hall of Fame credentials:
And because I can’t get enough Hester highlights, I’ll share some of those, too:
All in all, this announcement was expected. It’s not as if Hester has become less worthy of Hall of Fame induction since he was snubbed (yet again) last season. But until he gets his day in Canton, we’ll continue making it a point to remind you of his greatness and Hall of Fame worthiness. And, who knows, perhaps Hester will make the Pro Football Hall of Fame with some other former Bears. Jared Allen (with the Bears from 2014-15) and Julius Peppers (2010-13) also made the semifinalist round. As did Eddie George, a running back who never played a down for the Bears — but did some coaching with the team during this past offseason.
You can get the full list of 25 nominees here.
