By: Jake Rajala

The former Tennessee Titans mythical ball-carrier Chris Johnson, also known as CJ2K, retired on November 5th of 2018. Afterward, he nicely earned his college degree from East Carolina.

Johnson had quite the NFL journey, to say the least. He finished with 9,651 rushing yards, 55 TDs, and a career YPC of 4.5. He had an unearthly 2009 season – as he ran by opponents for 2,006 yds (including a 91-yd run), 14 TDs, with a career-high 5.6 YPC. He even deservedly won OPOY and earned first-team All-Pro in 2009.

With that stated, there is an intriguing, pivotal question surrounding Johnson at this point: Is Johnson a future Hall of Famer?

Johnson is certainly a gift from the football gods, as he is only one of eight RBs to rush for 2,000+ yds in a single season. Although, he didn’t exactly mop the floor in countless other seasons in his career. He was only named All-Pro once and he only garnered three Pro Bowl nods in his playing career. Meanwhile, Adrian Peterson has obtained four All-Pro nods (besides also winning an MVP award). “Shady” has also been named All-Pro twice in his career and he’s also been to the Pro Bowl six times.

Contrary to the unbiased Johnson’s take on whether he should be cast into football heaven, I honestly don’t believe he garnered enough success to land in Canton. It can be slightly easier to reminisce about his magic – given that he wreaked havoc around 2010. However, I don’t believe he stands tall enough amid all-time greats to wear a gold jacket.

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The former Chicago Bears three-time All-Pro return specialist Devin Hester wasn’t announced as a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but he was one of the most unique football profiles in NFL history. Here is a close look at how productive he’s been in his career:

• 14 total punt return touchdowns
• 7,333 total kick return yards
• 3,695 total punt return yards

Hester has been a rockstar and arguably the best return specialist in NFL history for the Chicago Bears (2006-2013), Atlanta Falcons (2014, 2015), Seattle Seahawks (2016), and Baltimore Ravens (2016). It should also be noted that Hester hasn’t only played in a Super Bowl, but he played lights out in the big dance. He returned the opening kickoff in Super Bowl XLI for a touchdown.

Unfortunately, the special team hero couldn’t overcome the opponent on the other team: Peyton Manning. The Bears lost 29-17 and it’s clear Hester was the most gutted after the game.

Hester hasn’t won a Super Bowl, but he does hold many records. He has the most special team return touchdowns of all time and the most punt return touchdowns of all time. It’s clear that Hester is a gifted profile.

Is there a modern-day Devin Hester? Well, We witnessed Cordarrelle Patterson follow a similar path as Hester, as he dominated opponents with the Bears and Falcons. Patterson was a two-time All-Pro returner with Chicago Bears. It will be interesting to see what legacy Patterson portrays if he can have a few more potent years as a special teamer (and RB/WR). The Saints WR/KR Deonte Harris could make another All-Pro team soon, as well.

We know Hester was a gift from the football gods on the field, but he was also a competitor off the field ….

He also entertained the world with a race against Chris Johnson and a cheetah in 2014. It’s strange to say this, but Hester came out with the victory. At least we know the cheetah on the Kansas City Chiefs doesn’t want to risk losing a race in the Pro Bowl, while Hester puts his money on the line against the fastest creature on the planet. Sadly, The world never got to witness Hester run against a race car.

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