Who are the best return men of all time?
by #23 on Jun 3, 2009 10:52 PM CDT
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PrintOf course we are rooting the Devin will score many more TD's on punts in his career, but where did he rank compared to some of the best of all time and who are they and what did they do.
There are many excellent return specialists today in Hester, McGee, Cribbs, Carr, Rossum, Davis, Hall, and many more. Some specialize in returning mainly punts or kickoffs. Some do both. Devin Hester deserves mention.
He has scored seven touchdowns on punt returns in the first two seasons of his career. Now entering his fourth year, hopefully he mas many more games to play. But, it is the NFL: Not For Long.
One can never assume he will score again, nor not suffer a career ending injury at any given moment. Even if he never does anything again on the gridiron, his two seasons have put his name on many peoples list.
This article is a great history lesson, but honestly some of the content is debateable. It is a good read though especially with the slow week in news.
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Well you have to say
Until Hester becomes the all time leader in TDs Brian Mitchell is still the man. Hester, I am sure can surpass Mitchell with enough time. You would think, eventually he could get two more returns.
by Sam Householder on Jun 3, 2009 11:59 PM CDT reply actions
I would think Drummond would be up there too
Not positive what his numbers were, but I know he was pretty good. And Sayers is just a given.
"Well, we didn't block real good but we made up for it by not tackling."
- John McKay
i just have five simple little words...
DEVIN – HESTER – YOU – ARE – RIDICULOUS!
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.
by windycity72 on Jun 4, 2009 4:49 AM CDT reply actions 1 recs
watch 'em all the time!!!
i can never get enough!!! have you seen the “devin 8 year old hester”??? i think it’s hilarious that he’s been doing it since pop warner!!!
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.
Devin Hester is already the greatest return man of all time
what he did in two seasons took some of the best return men a decade or more to do. that is enough to justify why he’s the best ever. No kick returner in history has ever made kicking the ball out of bounds a smart decision. He alone accounted for a 132% increase in kickoffs out of bounds in 2007.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
Came here to say this.
Be nice. Flag comments that you think are offensive. Use the "reply" button. Drink plenty of water. Compliment others. Rec comments and posts you like. Don't call people names. If you don't like someone's comment, attack the comment and not the commentor. Learn the difference in your/you're, then/than, to/too. Exercise. Relax. Stretch often. Find good in the world.
+1
That’s what I wanted to say as well.
It took Brian Mitchell 13 years to score as many return TDs as Hester.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Devin is the best ever
I’m not saying that as a fan, I’m saying that based on what he’s done. I think the real discussion is if this guy is already a HOFer given what he’s done already at that position. It doesn’t help that he struggled last year but I think there is an argument to be made.
I'm not arguing about his accomplishments but
I don’t think you can put anyone in the HOF just based on 2 seasons. He has to prove that last year wasn’t a fluke. Also, you can’t just count TD’s as greatness in a returner, it obviously is a big part, but longevity and consistency, in any line of work, are major factors in calling a person “great”. A couple of names that I didn’t see listed anywhere are Eric Metcalf and Billy “White Shoes” Johnson. If you look at their bodies of work over pretty long careers, they would have to be given consideration as well. There was a guy who played for the Packers in the mid – 1960’s named Travis Williams who broke the then existing NFL record with 4 TD’s in a season and averaged over 40 yards in kickoff returns (no punt returns included) which was also a record. I don’t think many people would consider him the greatest of all time. Again, I’m not trying to diminish what Hester has done, and he might end up to be the greatest ever, but he needs to do it longer and more consistantly in my opinion.
Brian Mitchell hold's the NFL record for K/P returns for TDs with 13.
Mitchell played 14 seasons in the NFL, and scored his last return TD in his 13th season!
Hester already has 11 career return TDs! 12, if you count the missed FG he returned 100+ yards against the Giants in ’06.
That’s just a flat out amazing feat… and all by itself makes Hester worthy of the label of greatest return man of all-time.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Not to mention the fact he broke the record consecutive years.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Jun 4, 2009 4:56 PM CDT up reply actions
Like I said, I'm not saying he won't be considered the greatest of all time but
what happens if he doesn’t ever score another TD again and continues to have return seasons like last year? If he turns out to be the receiver the Bears are hoping for, that is a possibility (although, I hope that’s not the case) and then 4 – 5 years from now will we still say he was the best ever or just the best ever in a 2 year period?
It would be like a young baseball player coming into the majors and breaking Barry Bonds’ season record the first two years of his career, but then goes back to being a 5-10 homerun a year guy after that. Would you say he was the greatest Home Run hitter of all time or just amazing for awhile?
I hope he makes it a moot point and has a few more great seasons.
Yep.
Hester set the single season record for return TDs with 5 in 2006
Then, he broke his own record with 6 in 2007
Hester is fourth all-time in career kick return scores with 11. Eric Metcalf and Dante Hall each have 12, and Brian Mitchell holds the league record with 13.
The NFL doesn’t count Hester’s missed FG return vs the Giants as part of these stats.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Nope
But HOF and greatest returner are different arguments. No one is getting in the HOF for 2 great seasons. No one. No matter what your stats.
Dent isn’t even in yet and his career sparkled for many years. People are acting like Warner is questionable and that guy has some of the best seasons and numbers of all time several times over.
Kick it to me... I'm open!
by #23 on Jun 4, 2009 6:31 PM CDT up reply actions
See I don't think the number of seasons matter here
In fact, the number of seasons helps the argument for Hester. He can’t help the number of seasons he played in. The fact the he was able to equate and surpass the numbers of some of these other returners is a credit to him and what he did. Sports isn’t a Union. I don’t buy that time served or senority crap. If the guy put up those numbers in the amount of time he did. He’s the greatest. If Hester was to come back and score 4-5 returns for TDs this year.. He’s a HOFer. The guy has done it on the biggest stage as well. He’s put his team on his back too. To me, a few more returns, punch his ticket to Canton.
there are about 250 people who would definitely disagree with you
they’re the players who are in the Hall. No way 2 years qualifies.
well...
if hester were to score 4-5 TD returns for the rest of his career…
… then i’m sure a picture/plaque of him will grace the halls somewhere in the building
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.
What does 2 years matter?
Seriously. Gayle Sayers is in the HOF. He’s a returner, not a QB or a DE. As a returner, you’re measure by TD and impact on field position right? So if the guy can surpass the literal careers of other highly renowned returners more power to him. What does his years in the league have to do with it?
Returner?
You think Sayers is in the Hall primarily because of his amazing return skills? He averaged 5.0 ypc for his career as a running back. The guy was just amazing. Combine that with records he set as a returner, and he was a no brainer for the hall.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Absolutely,
I was just about to make the same point. Plus a large part of his accomplishments were achieved after, what was at that time, a potentially career ending injury. He was on the field during the entire game whenever the Bears had the ball or were getting it kicked to them. Hester couldn’t even keep his KR job last year because he was “too distracted” by his WR duties.
That's not what im saying
I used Sayers as an example of someone who’s in the Hall despite his short career.
My point was if Hester was to go the Hall as a Returner it would be based off his returns and impact on the game. Though what he did was in a 2 year window, but what he did was so amazing that he was able to eclipse other great returners career numbers. He’s what 2 behind Mitchell right? And Mithchell is considered by many to be the best ever. What I’m saying is that I don’t put as much weight on longevity as a returner as I do the actual numbers. With that being said, if Hester eclipse this guy in the next year or so, you’re talking about a HOF worthy career to me. Would you punish Tiger for eclipsing Jack Nicholas in Major wins just because he got there sooner?
Although Sayers had one of the shorter careers
he was more than a returner.
If Devin gets in he needs more than 2 good seasons. They don’t all have to be for being a returner, like Sayers. Some could be for some great receiving years. No one is judged on 2 seasons.
Devin doesn’t have to repeat those feats to be the greatest returner of all time, but he does need to break the record and also have more productive years as a returner. 2-4 seasons to 2+ returns would probably make him the best ever and that is possible. I could see a year or two with 3-4 returns in there. He’s very young.
But that is also assuming he stays a returner throughout his career. If he becomes a star receiver and his production is like last year on punts, they’ll take that role away from him eventually.
Kick it to me... I'm open!
Because where does it stop?
One season, one game, one play? The Hall of Fame would be a joke, in this or any other sport if you let just two seasons count. No one is saying that he won’t ever reach it, we’re just saying he has to do more and do it more consistantly.
I agree
and was going to comment about the same thing.
It’s not that he isn’t great, it’s that it’s only been 2 seasons. If he plays, I don’t know, 8 more years and does nothing, then his chances of getting in to the HoF go down. He needs to be consistent and keep making those plays, IMO.
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
by Ashley Czuba on Jun 5, 2009 12:06 PM CDT up reply actions
Unfortunately... no they don't count post-season.
But, for all purposes… if you counted the SB, and missed FG, it would give Hester 13. Tied for the all-time record.
"You win because of the quarterback. We have to get that position stabilized. We're fixated on that." -- Jerry Angelo (12.30.2008)
Jerry Angelo trades for Jay Cutler! (4.2.2009)
.
Somebody needs to stop sniffing model glue
You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?
If he continues to become a better WR I think his opportunities to return kicks will lessen
by Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jun 4, 2009 1:26 PM CDT reply actions
Best ever? Gale Sayers or Brian Mitchell
Devin Hester? No. He did it for two seasons and then poof. Plus he will rarely seen return duties again unless he turns out to be a bust at wide receiver. Which is a possibility.
You mean, let me understand this cause, ya know maybe it's me, I'm a little messed up maybe, but I'm funny how, I mean funny like I'm a clown, I amuse you? I make you laugh, I'm here to amuse you? What do you mean funny, funny how? How am I funny?
I felt the same way
and voted no. I just don’t feel like doing well 2 seasons makes you “the best of all time.” If he picks up his game and keeps improving, and showing that he still has it, I might later change my tune… but only after all of that.
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
Nope
Sorry folks. I hate to burst your bubbles, GREATNESS isn’t a fleeting thing.
If Hester remained at the top of his game, and continued his ridiculous play, I might agree with you. Last year he LOST his role as kick off return man. Say what you will, he absolutely scared the daylights out of opposing coaches his first two years in the league. Absolutely. And KO’s out of bounds increased by over 100% during that stretch. If he would have retired after the second season, he would have UNDOUBTEDLY been regarded as one of the best return men, possibly best football players we’ve ever seen. Last year he lost the starting role as KO returner and lost yardage on most punt returns.
Last year’s fall from glory, all but erased the previous two. Hester showed us why guys like Mitchell have to be regarded as the best ever because, as someone stated previously, by scoring a special teams TD in his 13th season he showed that he had maintained that level. THAT is truly greatness. Mitchell wasn’t a one hit wonder, but a guy who did it better than most through his entire career. That’s the difference.
Hester was one of the brightest shining stars the world has ever seen, that burnt himself out. He’s a slightly better than average receiver now, who will most likely lose his starting position as a punt returner if he doesn’t improve.
In other words, dear friends, it pains me to say this, but our boy went from the best ever to average at best. So no, not unless he can return to form, he does not warrant a HOF induction.
BTW...
in one of those articles out on hester right now, it mentioned that he went from 20 catches his first at receiver to 51 yast year… his yards went from 299 to 665… with that being said, if he continues to grow at the same rate that he did from yr 1 to yr 2, his #s would look somethin’ like this:
130CAT 1479YDS !!!!!!
i’m just sayin’
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.
LOL
And if in season 1 he had 1 catch for 10 yards and a TD and in year two caught 25 passes for 500 yards and 10 TD’s, then in year 3 we could expect 625 catches for 2,500 yards and 100 TD’s.
I know you don’t really think that. He could improve, but he went from part time to full time last year and that was the difference.
Kick it to me... I'm open!
i was using the same "fool-proof" equation...
that brought down the housing market…
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgement that something else is more important than fear.
Gale Sayers is still the best of all time.
Hester may surpass him.
Passion For The Game, Loyal To The Name, Chicago Bears, I Trust In Thee, Standing Strong Since 1983.
Huh?
While I would love to see Hester turn out to be a better player than Sayers was, I think that has as much of a chance of happening as Ditka hosting a Buddy Ryan recognition celebration.
by lookingdeadred on Jun 6, 2009 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
I wouldn't be surprised
especially if his career lasts longer.
Think With Your Dipstick Jimmy!
by ifuwannacrownem on Jun 6, 2009 2:40 PM CDT up reply actions
Who said a better player?
The question was about the best return men. There are very few players in the history of the game that can be mentioned with Sayers, perhaps none.
Passion For The Game, Loyal To The Name, Chicago Bears, I Trust In Thee, Standing Strong Since 1983.
Haha
GG, gwl17, & I are watching that episode right now!
"A lot of fans were drawn to me because they knew that whatever the score was, I was going to run as hard as I could on every play. You don't have that now, you have guys waiting for next week or even next year." - Walter Payton
He'll either go down as the best return man or the worst move by a team.
Because he’s certainly no receiver.
by Black Sox Baseball on Jun 6, 2009 4:29 PM CDT reply actions
He'll go down as the best
He’ll be the best. Haha thought I would give a little biased opinion too. I think Desmond Howard was a pretty good KR.
Why did Hester stop returning kickoffs last year???
He was terrible at them.
Usually went the wrong way after receiving the kick.
by Black Sox Baseball on Jun 7, 2009 2:41 PM CDT up reply actions
manning was doin great and...
they thought hester was getting gased by returning punt and kick and being the no.1 reciever
but daneal manning is great at kick returns so i dont think theres any thing to worry for
by Bear Lovin 21 on Jun 8, 2009 11:15 AM CDT up reply actions
hester is the best of all time
he has broken the record in my eyes they dont count the missed field goal or the superbowl return which is absoltly stupid!!!
my top 5
1. Hester
2. Deion Sanderss
3. Gale Sayers
4. Dante Hall(he USED to be awesmome ppl forget to quick)
5. Ditka nuff said ….wait waiit…big ditka….or lil ditka??
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