Three Hurricanes Nominated for NFL Hall of Fame
Cover photo is of Reggie Wayne; photo credit to USA TODAY Sports.
The University of Miami football program has an illustrious history of producing National Football League talent. This year might be the best argument for Miami even being the truly best at producing top-notch NFL talent as well.
Of the 15 players up for NFL Hall of Fame enshrinement, three are former Hurricanes, and all of them played wide receiver. Here’s a look at each of the three, with college NFL statistics included.
Reggie Wayne - Wide Receiver
Wayne played for the Indianapolis Colts (2001-2014) during his entire NFL career. Before heading to Indianapolis, his college years as a Hurricane (1997-2000) were some of the best any Miami receiver has ever produced.
For Miami, Wayne caught 173 passes for 2,510 yards, a 14.3 average, and 20 touchdowns. He deserved to be considered one of the smoothest wide receivers to ever don a famed Hurricanes helmet for many reasons.
How he made cuts at nearly full speed and made it look so easy, however, should be at or near the top of the list. His naturally fluid movements helped him at the next level, too.
As a member of the Colts, Wayne was a big-time player. Catching passes from quarterback Peyton Manning (2021 NFL Hall of Fame inductee, along with former Miami Hurricanes running back Edgerrin James last year) for much of his pro career, Wayne amassed 1,070 receptions for 14,345 yards, a 13.4 average, and 82 touchdowns. His total NFL receptions rank Wayne at No. 10 all-time. That’s not all he accomplished, however.
As a member of the @Colts, he played in the Pro Bowl six times.
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) January 5, 2023
Now, @ReggieWayne_17 is a Finalist for the Hall's Class of 2023! pic.twitter.com/4ufGJ2nttr
He also played in 11 different NFL Playoffs, catching 93 passes for 1,254 yards, a 13.5 average, and nine touchdowns. Wayne was a part of the Super Bowl winning Colts team from 2006.
Deven Hester - Wide Receiver, Punt and Kick Returner
Hester played for the Chicago Bears (2006-2013), Atlanta Falcons (2014-2015), and Baltimore Ravens (2016). Prior to his pro career, he was a member of the Hurricanes (2003-2005).
Looking back at Hester’s career as a college player for Miami, his versatility allowed him to play on special teams (six career returns for touchdowns), offense (one touchdown) and defense (five interceptions). Much like his NFL career, Hester often dazzled those that watched him perform.
From the entire list of 15 players included on the possible NFL Hall of Fame list, Hester deserved to be considered the most unique. Most people make this list as a traditional offensive or defensive player, but not Hester.
Arguably the most explosive return man in NFL history, his five kickoff returns for touchdowns and 14 punt returns for touchdowns are why many people would utter words such as:
“Don’t kick it to Hester!”
As a member of the Bears in 2006, Hester even returned a missed field goal 108 yards for a touchdown against the New York Giants.
Even for quality NFL punt and kick returners, more than a couple of career returns for touchdowns has been rare. Hester’s 19 total returns for scores, that’s truly unique. He averaged 24.9 yards per kickoff return, as well as 11.7 yards per punt return.
As a receiver, Hester produced 255 receptions, 3,311 yards, 13 yards per catch, and 16 touchdowns.
Andre Johnson - Wide Receiver
Johnson played for the Houston Texans (2003-2014), Indianapolis Colts (2015), and the Tennessee Titans (2016), and of course played for the Canes (2000-2002) during their dominant run that produced the 2001 national title team.
This man represented the defensive coordinator’s nightmare. A big-bodied, natural-route running, sure handed, and speedy receiver. Johnson was arguably the NFL’s best receiver during the time span of 2006-2010, as well as 2012-2014.
Injuries kept him from being possibly the best during that entire nine-year period that started in 2006 and ended in 2014.
For his NFL career, Johnson accumulated 1,062 receptions, 14,185 yards, a 13.4 average, and 70 touchdowns through the air. Johnson sits at No. 11 on the NFL’s all-time receptions list, just eight receptions behind Wayne for No. 10.
During his time in Coral Gables, Johnson had 92 receptions, 1,381 yards, and 19 touchdowns.
Good luck to each of the three former Canes as they await the decision of being a NFL Hall of Fame inductee.
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