(670 The Score) For Bears great Devin Hester, perhaps the third time's a charm.
On Wednesday night, Hester was named one of 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2024. It marks his third straight year as a finalist on the ballot, with those first two bids for Canton coming up short.
An 11-year NFL veteran, Hester is the NFL's all-time leader in return touchdowns with 20, including 14 punt return touchdowns. He was selected by the Bears in the second round of the 2006 NFL Draft and played eight seasons for Chicago. Hester recorded 19 of his record 20 return touchdowns with the Bears.
Former Bears pass rushers Julius Peppers and Jared Allen were also named modern-era finalists.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2024 will be unveiled during Super Bowl weekend in Las Vegas in February.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.