Devin Hester makes case for other returners to be inducted into Hall of Fame

Devin Hester made history becoming the first pure return specialist to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But that's nothing new for the former Chicago Bears legend, who had a lasting impact on the game.

"To the Chicago Bears: Thank you for drafting me, and for giving me 8 great years in this game," Hester said. "You didn't know what you were getting yourself into, but you believed that you had something special coming your way."

Hester, a three-time first-team All Pro and four-time Pro Bowler, forever changed the game as a return specialist. He has more punt returns than anyone in NFL history with 14, his 20 total non-offensive touchdowns are also the most in league history, and he has the highest average yards per punt return among those with at least 300 returns in NFL history.

During his speech, Hester took a moment to shout out some other legendary return specialists, Josh Cribbs and Brian Mitchell, who he believes should be next to make the Hall of Fame.

"I'm not the only returner who deserves to be in the Hall of Fame," Hester said. "I'm just the first."

In his 10-year career, Cribbs returned eight kickoffs for touchdowns and three punts for scores. Mitchell returned four kickoffs for touchdowns and nine punts for scores. Both, along with Hester, are staples at the returner position.

Hester is considered the greatest return specialist of all-time, and the Hall of Fame agrees considering he's the first pure returner to make it. But he made it clear that he doesn't want to be the last.

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Devin Hester believes other returners should make the Hall of Fame