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15. Lester Hayes

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Lester Hayes
Many Hall of Fame candidates watch their push for the Hall build and build.  This doesn’t seem to be the case for Lester Hayes who was a finalist in his first four years of eligibility but has only been a semi-finalist the last six years.

Lester Hayes is best known for two things.  The first was in 1980 where he had 13 picks and won the Defensive Player of the Year award. The year after the “Lester Hayes” rules were put into effect banning players from the use of “stickum”, an adhesive that Hayes was using to get a better grip on the ball.

Hayes’ 1980 campaign was so good that it overshadowed many of the good seasons he had after.  Had he had another monster year, perhaps he would not be seeing his chances diminish as appears to be happening now.

Should Lester Hayes be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 89.3%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.1%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 3%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 2.6%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Houston, Texas, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Wednesday, 01 January 1992
  • Position: Cornerback
  • Games Played: 149
  • Notable Statistics: 39 Interceptions
    572 Interception Return Yards
    4 Interception Return Touchdowns
    7 Fumble Recoveries
    39 Fumble Recovery Yards
    1 Fumble Recovery Touchdown
    1.0 Quarterback Sack*
    5 Kick Returns
    57 Kick Return Yards
    91 Approximate Value

    8 Interceptions
    107 Interception Return Yards
    2 Interception Return Touchdowns
    2.0 Quarterback Sacks*

    *Quarterback Sacks were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1960 to 1981.
  • Played For: Los Angeles Raiders, Oakland Raiders
  • College: Texas A&M - Kingville
  • Drafted: 5th Round, 126th Overall in 1977
  • Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Ring (2) (Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, Super Bowl XV & XVII)
    AP Defensive Player of the Year (1) (1980)
    UPI Defensive Player of the Year (1) (1980)
    NFL 1980’s All-Decade Team
    First Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1980)
    Second Team All-Pro Selection (5) (1979, 1981, 1982, 1983 & 1984)
    Pro Bowl Selections (5) (1980, 1981, 1982, 1983 & 1984)
    Highest Approximate Value (1) (1980)
    Most Interceptions (1) (1980)
    Most Interception Return Yards (1) (1980)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (1) (1980)
    Top Ten Finishes: Fumble Return Yards (1) (1986)
    Top Ten Finishes: Interceptions (2) (1979 & 1980)
    Top Ten Finishes: Interception Return Yards (1) (1980)
  • Notable All Time Rankings: 85.    Interceptions: 39
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: Finalist: 2001, 2002, 2003 & 2004
    Semi Finalist: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 & 2010

Should Lester Hayes be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 89.3%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.1%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 3%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 2.6%
Last modified on Saturday, 18 March 2023 02:55

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