We all know Lester Hayes belongs in the HOF without question, 5 Pro Bowl appearances, 39 career interceptions, with 25 of them over 3 seasons and a 2 time Super Bowl Champion…….
Absolutely — Lester Hayes is one of the most glaring omissions from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a player whose dominance during a key era of the NFL simply cannot be ignored. From his unmistakable playing style, slathered in Stickum, to his lockdown performances in the biggest moments of the game, Hayes left a lasting imprint on the league. A detailed look at his accolades, career impact, and historical context makes it clear: Lester Hayes belongs in the Hall of Fame — without question.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Lester Hayes was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 1977 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M. Initially playing safety in college, he made a seamless transition to cornerback at the professional level. Known for his unorthodox backpedal and aggressive play style, Hayes immediately made an impact. By his second season, he had established himself as one of the NFL’s most feared defensive backs.
But it was the 1980 season that would define Hayes’s career — and arguably, should have secured his place in Canton long ago.
The 1980 Season: A Legendary Campaign
In 1980, Lester Hayes recorded an astounding 13 interceptions during the regular season, the most in the NFL that year. That performance earned him the AP Defensive Player of the Year award. Hayes wasn’t just racking up stats against mediocre teams — he was doing it against top-tier quarterbacks, often shadowing the opposing team’s best receiver. In an era that emphasized the run far more than today’s pass-heavy game, such a total was remarkable and remains tied for the second-most interceptions in a single season in NFL history.
He followed up that regular-season dominance by helping lead the Raiders to a Super Bowl XV victory. His shutdown performances during the playoffs were crucial in that championship run. Hayes had five interceptions in those playoffs alone, a mark that still stands as one of the best postseason performances ever by a cornerback.
Consistency and Longevity
Over the course of his 10-year career (1977–1986), Hayes amassed 39 interceptions, and 25 of those came over a three-season span (1980–1982), underscoring both his prime dominance and sustained excellence. He was selected to five Pro Bowls and earned three First-Team All-Pro honors, further cementing his reputation among the elite.
But even these accolades only tell part of the story. Hayes was often assigned to cover the opposing team’s number one receiver in man-to-man coverage — without safety help. This was during a time when defenders were allowed to be far more physical with receivers, yet it was also a time when the passing game was beginning to evolve and become more dangerous. Hayes thrived in this environment, helping set the standard for what we now recognize as a true shutdown corner.
The Stickum Era and Its Impact on His Legacy
One of the more controversial aspects of Hayes’s career — and possibly a reason he remains out of the Hall — is his association with Stickum, a tacky substance he applied liberally to his hands and uniform. At the time, it was legal, and Hayes made no attempt to hide his use of it. However, the NFL banned Stickum in 1981, a move largely seen as a response to Hayes’s conspicuous use.
After the ban, critics expected his production to plummet. Instead, Hayes continued to perform at a high level, even if his interception totals dipped. More importantly, he adjusted his game and remained a top-tier cornerback well into the mid-1980s, helping the Raiders win a second Super Bowl (XVIII) in 1983.
It’s worth asking whether the Stickum debate should overshadow his accomplishments. The answer, quite simply, is no. Many players used Stickum — including Hall of Famers like Fred Biletnikoff — and yet only Hayes seems to have been penalized reputationally for it. Given that he excelled both with and without it, it’s clear that his talents far exceeded any edge the substance may have provided.
Impact and Legacy
Lester Hayes changed the way the cornerback position was played. He was one half of what became known as the “Lester and Mike Show,” with Hall of Famer Mike Haynes forming perhaps the most dominant cornerback duo in NFL history. Their play in the early ’80s revolutionized how defenses approached coverage, especially in an increasingly pass-oriented league. Teams stopped throwing to their side of the field altogether — not because of scheme, but because of raw talent and fear of turnovers.
It’s also important to consider how Hayes has been recognized by his peers. Dozens of Hall of Fame players and coaches have publicly supported his inclusion in Canton. Raiders legends like Howie Long and Art Shell have long been vocal about his omission, and several NFL historians regard him as one of the best defensive backs of his era — if not the very best.
A Matter of Justice
When evaluating Hall of Fame worthiness, voters are expected to look beyond just statistics. They are to consider dominance, legacy, team success, and the impact a player had on the game. Lester Hayes checks all those boxes and then some. His stats are impressive. His team success is undeniable. His influence on the game — and the cornerback position — is profound.
Moreover, the Hall of Fame is not just a museum of nice guys or squeaky-clean resumes; it’s a place for football legends, for those who shaped the game and thrilled fans. Lester Hayes did both, and it’s time that the Hall recognizes his greatness.
Conclusion
Lester Hayes’s exclusion from the Pro Football Hall of Fame is one of the great injustices in the history of the institution. With five Pro Bowl selections, 39 interceptions, two Super Bowl rings, and a Defensive Player of the Year award, his résumé stands strong against nearly any cornerback already enshrined. His fearsome presence on the field, ability to change the course of games, and lasting legacy in the league should make his inclusion a foregone conclusion.
It’s time to correct the record. Lester Hayes belongs in the Hall of Fame — and he always has.
Absolutely — Lester Hayes is one of the most glaring omissions from the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a player whose dominance during a key era of the NFL simply cannot be ignored. From his unmistakable playing style, slathered in Stickum, to his lockdown performances in the biggest moments of the game, Hayes left a lasting imprint on the league. A detailed look at his accolades, career impact, and historical context makes it clear: Lester Hayes belongs in the Hall of Fame — without question.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Lester Hayes was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 1977 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M. Initially playing safety in college, he made a seamless transition to cornerback at the professional level. Known for his unorthodox backpedal and aggressive play style, Hayes immediately made an impact. By his second season, he had established himself as one of the NFL’s most feared defensive backs.
But it was the 1980 season that would define Hayes’s career — and arguably, should have secured his place in Canton long ago.
The 1980 Season: A Legendary Campaign
In 1980, Lester Hayes recorded an astounding 13 interceptions during the regular season, the most in the NFL that year. That performance earned him the AP Defensive Player of the Year award. Hayes wasn’t just racking up stats against mediocre teams — he was doing it against top-tier quarterbacks, often shadowing the opposing team’s best receiver. In an era that emphasized the run far more than today’s pass-heavy game, such a total was remarkable and remains tied for the second-most interceptions in a single season in NFL history.
He followed up that regular-season dominance by helping lead the Raiders to a Super Bowl XV victory. His shutdown performances during the playoffs were crucial in that championship run. Hayes had five interceptions in those playoffs alone, a mark that still stands as one of the best postseason performances ever by a cornerback.
Consistency and Longevity
Over the course of his 10-year career (1977–1986), Hayes amassed 39 interceptions, and 25 of those came over a three-season span (1980–1982), underscoring both his prime dominance and sustained excellence. He was selected to five Pro Bowls and earned three First-Team All-Pro honors, further cementing his reputation among the elite.
But even these accolades only tell part of the story. Hayes was often assigned to cover the opposing team’s number one receiver in man-to-man coverage — without safety help. This was during a time when defenders were allowed to be far more physical with receivers, yet it was also a time when the passing game was beginning to evolve and become more dangerous. Hayes thrived in this environment, helping set the standard for what we now recognize as a true shutdown corner.
The Stickum Era and Its Impact on His Legacy
One of the more controversial aspects of Hayes’s career — and possibly a reason he remains out of the Hall — is his association with Stickum, a tacky substance he applied liberally to his hands and uniform. At the time, it was legal, and Hayes made no attempt to hide his use of it. However, the NFL banned Stickum in 1981, a move largely seen as a response to Hayes’s conspicuous use.
After the ban, critics expected his production to plummet. Instead, Hayes continued to perform at a high level, even if his interception totals dipped. More importantly, he adjusted his game and remained a top-tier cornerback well into the mid-1980s, helping the Raiders win a second Super Bowl (XVIII) in 1983.
It’s worth asking whether the Stickum debate should overshadow his accomplishments. The answer, quite simply, is no. Many players used Stickum — including Hall of Famers like Fred Biletnikoff — and yet only Hayes seems to have been penalized reputationally for it. Given that he excelled both with and without it, it’s clear that his talents far exceeded any edge the substance may have provided.
Impact and Legacy
Lester Hayes changed the way the cornerback position was played. He was one half of what became known as the “Lester and Mike Show,” with Hall of Famer Mike Haynes forming perhaps the most dominant cornerback duo in NFL history. Their play in the early ’80s revolutionized how defenses approached coverage, especially in an increasingly pass-oriented league. Teams stopped throwing to their side of the field altogether — not because of scheme, but because of raw talent and fear of turnovers.
It’s also important to consider how Hayes has been recognized by his peers. Dozens of Hall of Fame players and coaches have publicly supported his inclusion in Canton. Raiders legends like Howie Long and Art Shell have long been vocal about his omission, and several NFL historians regard him as one of the best defensive backs of his era — if not the very best.
A Matter of Justice
When evaluating Hall of Fame worthiness, voters are expected to look beyond just statistics. They are to consider dominance, legacy, team success, and the impact a player had on the game. Lester Hayes checks all those boxes and then some. His stats are impressive. His team success is undeniable. His influence on the game — and the cornerback position — is profound.
Moreover, the Hall of Fame is not just a museum of nice guys or squeaky-clean resumes; it’s a place for football legends, for those who shaped the game and thrilled fans. Lester Hayes did both, and it’s time that the Hall recognizes his greatness.
Conclusion
Lester Hayes’s exclusion from the Pro Football Hall of Fame is one of the great injustices in the history of the institution. With five Pro Bowl selections, 39 interceptions, two Super Bowl rings, and a Defensive Player of the Year award, his résumé stands strong against nearly any cornerback already enshrined. His fearsome presence on the field, ability to change the course of games, and lasting legacy in the league should make his inclusion a foregone conclusion.
It’s time to correct the record. Lester Hayes belongs in the Hall of Fame — and he always has.