The Cleveland Browns legend, Josh Cribbs, believes that return men are not receiving the recognition they deserve from the Hall of Fame selection committee. In a recent interview with TMZ Sports, Cribbs argues that he and Devin Hester should both have busts in Canton. Known for their electrifying returns, these two players were feared by kickers and punters who would purposely avoid them, fearing that they would score a touchdown every time they touched the ball. Despite their impressive resumes, which include All-Pro, Pro Bowl, and All-Decade team honors, Cribbs and Hester have yet to receive the call from the Hall of Fame.
Cribbs highlights that he not only excelled as a return specialist but also as a cover guy. He asks, “Who can you say did both, was like the best returner out there as well as the best cover guy?” Cribbs’ versatility sets him apart from other players, and he believes that this should be recognized by the Hall of Fame selection committee. Similarly, Hester’s resume speaks for itself. According to Cribbs, Hester is in a class of his own. He argues that their unique talents cannot be matched anywhere, both in history and in the future.
Both Cribbs and Hester impacted games significantly. Coaches would actively try to strategize and kick away from them to minimize their impact. Cribbs points out that just being nominated for the Hall of Fame is not enough; the committee needs to give return specialists the recognition they deserve. The league may be downplaying the importance of this position, but Cribbs emphasizes that their contributions to the game cannot be ignored.
Throughout his 10-year career, Cribbs amassed over 11,000 kickoff return yards and scored 8 touchdowns. Additionally, he accumulated 2,300 yards and 3 touchdowns on punt returns. Hester, on the other hand, had over 3,600 punt return yards and an astonishing 14 touchdowns in his 11 seasons. He also recorded 7,300 yards and 5 touchdowns off kickoffs. These impressive statistics, combined with All-Decade recognition, make a compelling case for their inclusion in the Hall of Fame.
Cribbs firmly believes that both he and Hester deserve their place in history. He points out that they were recognized as All-Decade return specialists, solidifying their contributions to the game. These two players left an indelible mark on the NFL and changed the game with their explosive returns. Their work on the field spanned over a decade, and Cribbs argues that their accomplishments should not go unnoticed.
The Hall of Fame selection committee should give more consideration to return men like Josh Cribbs and Devin Hester. Their impact on the game of football cannot be overstated, and their versatile skills set them apart from their peers. The exceptional statistics, accolades, and All-Decade recognition make a compelling case for their inclusion in the Hall of Fame. It is time for the committee to recognize the significant contributions that return specialists have made to the sport.
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