Devin Hester snubbed, again, from Pro Football Hall of Fame

Bears great Devin Hester was snubbed for the second year in a row when he wasn’t named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

Hester is the greatest return specialist of all-time, and there’s no doubt that the former Bears playmaker will take his rightful place in Canton as a member of the Hall of Fame. Just not on his second try.

During the NFL Honors show, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2023 was announced, but it unfortunately didn’t include Hester. The inductees include Joe Thomas, Darrelle Revis, DeMarcus Ware, Zach Thomas and Ronde Barber. Senior candidates Joe Klecko, Don Coryell, Chuck Howley and Ken Riley.

There’s been plenty of debate regarding whether or not Hester belonged in the Hall of Fame considering he’s a special teams player — and the only player to make it in solely because of his return specialist status. But there’s something to be said about being the best to ever play your position. And Hester is just that.

Hester would’ve been the 31st Bears player enshrined in Canton, and only the fifth special teams player in the Hall of Fame. His impressive resume features four Pro Bowls, three First-Team All-Pro recognitions, the most punt return touchdowns (14) than anyone in NFL history, and the most non-offensive touchdowns (20) ever.

Hester was a modern-era finalist for the second straight year, an indication that he will get into the Hall eventually.