Hall of Fame Should Be Embarrassed at Hayes's Absence

The National Football League, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame should be embarrassed at the absence of Raider legend Lester Hayes.
Hall of Fame Should Be Embarrassed at Hayes's Absence
Hall of Fame Should Be Embarrassed at Hayes's Absence /
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Lester Hayes, a great cornerback for the Oakland-Los Angeles Raiders for 10 seasons, was undoubtedly not excited recently when he was named a semifinalist in the 2023 voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Hayes, now 68 and living in Houston, is one of the most deserving players who has not been inducted in Canton, Ohio, and he’s been nominated several times before.

As we have mentioned, the reason is Hayes’ use of Stickum before it was outlawed.

“The question that has long lingered in my mind is: Why do people question the achievements of Hayes because of Stickum, yet do not question the achievements of wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff because of Stickum?” a reporter for Bleacher Report wrote.

Biletnikoff, of course, introduced Hayes to Stickum as a rookie, but Freddy used the substance throughout his career. He was voted into the Hall of Fame with teammate Cliff Branch and Jerry Rice of the San Francisco 49ers, who both admitted to using Stickum during their brilliant careers.

After Hayes made a league-high 13 interceptions for 273 yards and a 62-yard touchdown return in 1980, the National Football League outlawed Stickum. Hayes was one off the National Football League record set by Dick “Night Train” Lane, who recorded 14 interceptions as a rookie in 1952 with the Los Angeles Rams.

The decision is known as “The Lester Hayes Rule,” and forget all the gloves and other things wide receivers and defensive backs use to catch the ball these days.

Hayes, who had only 12 picks before that season, intercepted only 14 passes in the last six seasons of his career, and some people have claimed that showed Stickum had much to do with his success before that.

However, it probably had more to do with the fact that NFL quarterbacks realized the football would be coming back in their direction had they thrown a pass for a receiver being covered by Hayes.

“Lester was one of the best cornerbacks ever at intimidation,” said cornerback Mike Haynes, a member of the Hall of Fame who teamed with Hayes to form one of the best cornerback duos in NFL history. “He really did go after people. As a cover man and in tackling, he was just phenomenal.

“Lester was a great cornerback and should be in the Hall of Fame.”

The 6-foot, 200-pound Hayes was selected by the Raiders in the fifth round (No. 126 overall) of the 1977 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M and became a full-time starter in his second season with the Silver and Black.

Hayes spent his 10-year career with the Raiders, contributing to victories over the Philadelphia Eagles, 27-10, in Super Bowl XV, and over the Washington Redskins, 38-9, in Super Bowl XVIII.

“Hayes and Haynes were the difference in that game,” Redskins General Manager said after they shut down Washington’s passing game.

In addition, Hayes was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1980, when he also was First Team All-Pro selection; he was second-team All-Pro five times, played five in Pro Bowls, and tied Hall of Fame cornerback Willie Brown’s franchise record of 39 interceptions.

“Lord, have mercy, it’s so much safer to play in the NFL these days than during my time,” said Hayes, who was known as “The Judge and “Chester the Molester” during his playing days. We didn’t have any guidelines.

“You could actually lead with your face mask into an opposing player, without drawing a $15,000 fine. You could throw a forearm shiver to the throat. People played with broken bones. Guys would carry smelling salt in their socks, so if you got a little woozy on the field, you’d reach into your sock for help.”

Hayes was equal to or better than Hall of Fame cornerbacks Darrell Green, Lem Barney, Ronde Barber, Herb Adderley, Darrelle Revis, Ty Law, Champ Bailey, Mel Renfro, Roger Wehrli, Emmitt Thomas, Ken Riley, Eric Allen, Everson Walls, and others.

It’s time for Hayes to be inducted alongside them.

The Las Vegas Raiders open training camp for the entire team on July 25, 2023.

The Silver and Black open the preseason by hosting the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Aug. 13, at 4 p.m. EDT/1 p.m. PDT.

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