LAS VEGAS — Dynamic return specialist Devin Hester, who spent part of his last season in the NFL with the Ravens, has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Hester, who returned 14 punts and five kickoffs for touchdowns, was a three-time first-team All-Pro as a member of the Chicago Bears. He played eight seasons for the Bears and two for the Atlanta Falcons before playing 12 games as a Raven in 2016.
Hester returned 25 punts and 19 kickoffs that season. He did not score a touchdown.
First-time candidate Julius Peppers headlined a Hall of Fame class that has a distinctive defensive feel. The star defensive end was joined by another elite pass rusher in Dwight Freeney and do-everything linebacker Patrick Willis in the modern era category announced Thursday night.
Prolific receiver Andre Johnson also got voted into the Hall from the group of 15 finalists. Two more defensive players got in on the senior category, with linebacker Randy Gradishar and defensive tackle Steve McMichael getting the needed 80% support from the panel.
