Here’s a quick rundown of some of the things Hester has accomplished in his time as a professional:
- returned a punt for a touchdown in his first career game against the Packers.
- scored the longest touchdown in NFL history as a rookie against the Giants.
- the first time he was given the duty of returning kickoffs, he took two back for touchdowns against the Rams.
- returned the opening kickoff of the Super Bowl for a touchdown as a rookie against the Colts.
- his second career reception was an 81-yard touchdown that tied a game against the Vikings with 1:30 left in the fourth quarter.
- returned a punt and kickoff for touchdowns in the same quarter last week against Denver. He also did this in week 2 against the Chiefs but the kick return was called back.
Not bad for someone who has only been in the NFL for a year and a half.
When you consider Hester’s dominance at his position, no one is even close. Sure Tom Brady is great but so is Peyton Manning. Randy Moss has had an outstanding season, but so has Terrell Owens. Who is Hester’s main competition for league’s best return man? Dante Hall is past his prime, so maybe it’s Cleveland’s Josh Cribbs or Jerome Mathis of the Texans. But neither of those guys are on the same planet as Hester who makes 80-yard touchdowns look like nothing.
So the question has to be asked: Is Hester the most dominating specialist in the history of sports. I wouldn’t say he’s the best specialist ever, because a certain level of longevity has to be sustained to say that. But Hester’s incredible impact on every game he has ever played means he just may be the most dominating.
To clear things up first, here is what I would consider a specialist in sports: a kicker, punter, or return man in football, a closer in baseball, a 3-point shooter, shot blocker or rebounder in basketball. I wouldn’t include designated hitters because in baseball everyone has to swing the bat.
It’s hard to believe anyone has ever been as dominating as Hester over a similar time period. Eric Gagne’s 84 consecutive save streak is impressive, and I’m sure Brian could come up some absurd Mariano Rivera stats from earlier in his career. Dennis Rodman and Dikembe Mutombo have to be considered as well. Neither player ever scored a lot (although I was surprised to see Mutombo averaged over 16 points per game his rookie season), but they each did one thing exceptionally well. For Mutombo, it was blocking shots, averaging more then three swats per game during his prime and even blocking 4.5 shots per game one season. No one has ever rebounded better then Rodman, grabbing 18.7 boards per game one season and averaging more then 14.5 rebounds per game seven times.
Still, I’ll take Hester over all of them. Let’s just hope he stays healthy. Getting hurt isn’t very cool.
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Comments
Here is an actual non-offensive question for you about Hester....when it comes time for the Bears to re-sign him, how do they decide how much he's worth. He plays a little WR but he won't be paid as a WR. He was drafted as a DB but won't get paid as a DB. How will they figure out how to give him a fair contract?
Hester is unbelievable, but he needs to keep it up for a couple more years.
Here's a question for you, when he season is over, the Eagles call the Bears and offer you Donovan McNabb for Hester and a 1st round pick, do you do it?
Not sure about most dominant specialist (based on your standards), but he's becoming less and less arguably the best returner of all-time.
Listened to the podcast this morning. High comedy. Nice musical choices, too. You've gotta find some way to get me on it. Maybe we can talk about the Pats or something.
Brian- You love ripping people off in trade deals. No one in their right mind would trade Hester and a first for D-Nab. You'll be lucky to get a first round pick for him at all, probably a second is more likely.
JC- That's a great question. As a second round pick, i believe Hester is in the second year of a four year deal. The Bears will do whatever they can to keep him, but the contract will surely set a precedent.
That's not my trade rumor. Read it in a comment somewhere.
Honestly, though, take the pick out. Would you do Hester for McNabb straight up?
Are you serious?!
You wouldn't trade a returner for a starting QB? You're out of your mind, you deserve Grossman.
Bears should trade up for McFadden and put him at QB, trade for Brian Leonard at fullback and put Hester at running back and run the triple option. I'm positive that would work.
That's a better idea then D-Nab. The Bears actual offer will be a second or third round pick, and the Eagles might do it.
hey rick, don't forget to put your picks in before tonights game
Don't forget about Leon Washington!! He doesn't have as many career touchdown returns as Hester, but he has brought back 3 kickoffs for scores this year.