Fansided

30 biggest Hall of Fame snubs in NFL history

By Jarrett Bailey

Ken Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
Ken Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Raiders safety Mike Davis (36) helps cornerback Lester Hayes (37) celebrate his 18-yard interception return during the AFC Divisional Playoff, a 38-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 1, 1984, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Miguel A. Elliot/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Raiders safety Mike Davis (36) helps cornerback Lester Hayes (37) celebrate his 18-yard interception return during the AFC Divisional Playoff, a 38-10 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 1, 1984, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Miguel A. Elliot/Getty Images) /

12. Lester Hayes

The 1970s Raiders were one of the meanest, nastiest teams of all time, and featured a ton of great defensive talents. Lester Hayes was one of the best shutdown cornerbacks of his era, and was a key part of two Super Bowl championships coming to Oakland and Los Angeles, respectively, in their wins over the Eagles and Washington.

Hayes was an instant impact player for the Raiders upon arrival in 1977. He intercepted one pass as a rookie, and then picked off four more in 1978 in his sophomore campaign. 1980, though, was Hayes’ best as a pro. He intercepted 13 passes, which is the second most in NFL history. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year that season, and established himself as arguably the best cornerback in football.

While Hayes never got close to that type of production again, that’s hard to expect from any player to play at that level year in and year out. He was a Pro Bowler each season from 1980-84, though, and continued to shutdown the league’s best receivers.

He retired after the 1986 season. He intercepted 39 passes in his career, and was a five-time Pro Bowler and one of the best defensive backs of the early 1980s.

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