(670 The Score) Bears great Devin Hester has been named a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2024.
Hester is one of 25 modern-era semifinalists, as are former Bears pass rushers Julius Peppers and Jared Allen. This marks Hester's third straight year on the ballot. He has been a Hall of Fame finalist twice but hasn’t yet been voted into Canton.
Hester is the NFL's all-time leader in return touchdowns with 20, including 14 punt return touchdowns. Hester played eight of his 11 NFL seasons in Chicago, recording all but one of his return touchdowns for the Bears.
Peppers had 159.5 sacks over 17 NFL seasons, including four years with the Bears from 2010-'13. Allen had 136 sacks over 13 years in the league, including two seasons with the Bears from 2013-'14.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame will announce its 2024 class during the Super Bowl week festivities in February.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.