The Hall of Fame weekend - and the start of the 2024 NFL preseason - is just around the corner, and the Chicago Bears are set to be very involved in the celebrations and ceremonies in Canton, Ohio. Aside from the team taking on the Houston Texans on Thursday, August 1, the franchise will have three alumni enshrined just two days later. The Bears' honorees include defensive lineman and Super Bowl champion Steve "Mongo" McMichael, defensive end Julius Peppers, and special teams ace Devin Hester.
Chicago Bears Returner Devin Hester Quick to Hall of Fame Festivities
For Hester, who will enter the Hall of Fame in his third eligible year, the festivities started early, with his Gold Jacket arriving ahead of the weekend. In what I can only assume is Hester's trophy-ridden, memorabilia-drenched den, the legendary special teamer shares the moment with his children, as seen below via the official Pro Football Hall of Fame account.
Such a special moment to share with his kids: @D_Hest23 opened his Gold Jacket created by @HaggarCo with his family. #pfhof24 pic.twitter.com/cfNsGF9a9B
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) July 15, 2024
Hester's recognition as a Hall of Famer is clearly a respectable accomplishment for any player. Still, the fact that the Miami product earned this recognition after making his career on special teams is an even bigger testament to his game-changing abilities. Hester did play occasionally on both offense and defense throughout his career, but he remains an icon in the return game with many records, including the most punt return touchdowns in a career all time. Hester will become just the fourth player to be enshrined after a career mainly as a specialist, alongside placekickers Jan Stenerud and Morten Anderson, and punter Ray Guy.
Hester will help increase the number of Bears in the Hall of Fame from 40 to 43. Hester will also help increase the number of Miami Hurricanes in the Hall of Fame from nine to 11. Interestingly, his fellow Hurricane product, former Houston Texans receiver Andre Johnson, will also see his NFL team play on Thursday night.
The game will undoubtedly be a massive part of the weekend's festivities, and it will be exciting to see (some) members of the current team after a big offseason. Still, the celebrations of Hester, McMichael, Peppers, and all the other honorees will make tuning into the opening weekend worth it.