Devin Hester Puts NFL, Hall of Fame on Notice With Blunt Comments

Legendary NFL kick returner Devin Hester was one of seven 2024 inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, August 3. He is the first primary kick returner to don a gold jacket.

During his enshrinement speech, the self-proclaimed "best returner that ever walked the face of the Earth" made it a point to defend his fellow returners who don't get the same appreciation he has.

“I hope me being here today opens up the doors and brings some attention to other guys like Brian Mitchell and Josh Cribbs," Hester said. "Because I’m not the only returner that deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. I’m just the first.”

The NFL should consider itself on notice.

While Mitchell and Cribbs were tremendous specialists in their own right, the former Chicago Bears icon has everyone beat in the touchdown department.

In 11 NFL seasons, Hester posted 19 combined return touchdowns, including 11 in his first two seasons in 2006-07. His 14 punt return scores are the most in NFL history, four ahead of the next closest player, Eric Metcalf. He also chipped in 16 receiving touchdowns.

While Hester may be the GOAT of return touchdowns, NFL greats like Mitchell do have him beat in some key statistical categories, including all-time return yards , 19,013 to 11,028. Cribbs also ranks third all-time with 13,488 return yards.

Looking ahead to 2025 , at least one other iconic returner, Darren Sproles, has a chance to earn a Hall of Fame nomination.