Devin Hester, Julius Peppers, and Steve McMichael, along with four other individuals, have been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, this summer. McMichael and Gradishar were chosen as senior selections, while the remaining five were part of the modern class.
While the Hall of Fame traditionally honors offensive and defensive stars, Hester’s inclusion recognizes his remarkable achievements on special teams. He holds the NFL record for the most return touchdowns with 20, including a league-leading 14 punt return touchdowns. Notably, Hester’s memorable performance came in Super Bowl XLI when he returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts. In addition to his prowess as a return specialist, Hester also contributed as a wide receiver, amassing 255 receptions for 3,311 yards and 16 touchdowns throughout his career.
Devin Hester’s impact on the game was revolutionary, according to Bears chairman George McCaskey. Hester’s unique talents and unmatched abilities as a return specialist made opposing head coaches caution their special teams coordinators against kicking the ball to him. McCaskey expressed delight in the Hall of Fame recognizing Hester’s exceptional skills, as no one had witnessed anything like him before, and there hasn’t been anyone quite like him since.
Andre Johnson also stood out with his remarkable ability to find the end zone. Drafted by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2003 NFL Draft, Johnson concluded his career with an impressive 1,062 receptions and 70 touchdowns. He achieved seven 1,000-yard seasons during his 14-year tenure.
On the defensive side, Dwight Freeney earned his induction into the Hall of Fame in his second year of eligibility. Freeney led the NFL with 16 sacks in 2004 and finished his career with a total of 125.5 sacks in 218 games, leaving a lasting impact.
Patrick Willis had to wait five years for his induction, but his impressive career with the San Francisco 49ers ultimately earned him the honor. Despite his career being shortened due to injuries, Willis amassed seven Pro Bowl selections during his eight-year tenure with the 49ers.
Julius Peppers burst onto the scene in 2002 with the Carolina Panthers, making an immediate impact as a rookie with 12 sacks, five forced fumbles, and an interception. He continued to excel with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers before ultimately returning to Carolina to conclude his career. Peppers holds the distinction of being the only player in NFL history to accumulate at least 150 sacks and 10 interceptions, highlighting his versatility and dominance on the field.
Steve McMichael, fondly referred to as “Mongo” by Bears fans, played a pivotal role in the Chicago Bears’ 1985 Super Bowl championship team. As a fearless defensive lineman, McMichael amassed 95 sacks and 13 forced fumbles throughout his career, earning a reputation for his tenacious playing style. Unfortunately, McMichael is currently battling ALS and was unable to attend the announcement of his Hall of Fame induction in Las Vegas, making the honor bittersweet.
Randy Gradishar, during his 10-year tenure with the Denver Broncos, earned seven Pro Bowl selections. In 1978, he was named the NFL’s defensive player of the year, showcasing his exceptional skills and impact on the field. Gradishar’s impressive career included 20 interceptions, 13 fumble recoveries, four defensive touchdowns, over 2,000 tackles, and 19.5 sacks. His contributions as a dominant defensive player solidify his deserving place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
