(02-11-2024, 11:40 AM)SamusAranX Wrote: To me, Hester getting in is similar to when Ray Guy got in. It sets a precedent for better or for worse, that now “what about [this punter]” and “what about [this special teams standout]”. You now have to explain why this position player isn’t worthy and you can’t say well this position doesn’t belong in.

Taylor deserves it, plain and simple; and Hester shouldn’t have been inducted

Disagree wholeheartedly.

Hester getting in is similar to Gale Sayers getting in. Absolutely dangerous return man. Neither had overwhelming stat sheets when you look at other WR or RB, but when they were playing, you made it a point to watch them do what they did.

Just because the head and shoulders best at their position gets in doesn't mean other punters or returners are going to start stealing votes from other nominees. Since Guy got in the hall, how many other punters are in? Since Gale Sayers, we've seen now one other returner get in based on the merit of their return game alone.

Which other return men do you think are going to draw serious (key word here) consideration?

Fred merits consideration, yes. Gates belongs in the Hall, full stop. Gates, like Hester, is in serious conversation as being among the best at his position while he played. I can't say Fred was in similar conversation when he played, especially if you were outside of the 904 area code. Here's a fun take for you, too - I don't think Emmitt was all that either, he was more a product of the team built around him. Sometimes it's not just the stat that gets you in - it's the reputation, it's the accolades, it's the postseason or highlight reel that places you in higher regard than your peers.

Fred's got an uphill climb to get into the hall, for certain. But let's not be delusional about the merit others may have in his stead. Prepare yourself for disappointment. Guys like AP and Beastquake are gonna be eligible soon, and I certainly see both of them getting in before FreddyT. Guys like Hester and Gates will continue to reach eligibility, too, and continue to make his inclusion a challenge (much like it was for Boselli). Realism sometimes sucks. I don't need a statue or a trip to Akron (gross) to tell me Freddy was damn good. I know. But there's a lotta guys in the hall that are pretty damn good in their own right, and that's fine, too.

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