Lester Hayes: A Cornerback with an Impressive Interception Record

Lester Hayes, a former professional football cornerback who played for the Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders of the National Football League (NFL), left a lasting impact on the game with his remarkable interception record. This article delves into Hayes’ career and explores his notable achievements as a cornerback, focusing on his interception statistics.

Interception Record

Throughout his career, which spanned ten seasons and 149 games, Hayes showcased exceptional skills in intercepting passes. According to available records from Pro-Football-Reference.com, he accumulated a total of 39 interceptions. These interceptions resulted in an impressive 572 interception return yards, demonstrating his ability to capitalize on turnovers and make significant contributions to his team’s defensive efforts.

Record-Breaking Season

One of Hayes’ most remarkable accomplishments came during the 1980 season, where he set a record for the most interceptions in a single season in the modern era with 13 interceptions. This record still stands today and stands as a testament to Hayes’ exceptional talent and playmaking ability. His ability to read quarterbacks, anticipate their throws, and make timely interceptions made him a formidable force on the field.

Franchise Record Holder

Hayes’ interception record is even more impressive considering that he played in an era when passing offenses were becoming more prevalent in the NFL. Despite the challenges posed by high-powered passing attacks, Hayes consistently found ways to disrupt opposing offenses and create turnovers. He shares the franchise record for career interceptions with fellow Raiders legend Willie Brown, with both players ending their careers with 39 interceptions. This achievement further solidifies Hayes’ status as one of the all-time greats in Raiders history.

Hall of Fame Candidacy

Despite his exceptional interception numbers and contributions to the game, Hayes has not yet been elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This omission is often attributed to several factors, including his unconventional playing style and his use of stickum, an adhesive substance that aided players in gripping the ball. Stickum was banned by the NFL in 1981, and Hayes’ association with the substance may have influenced his Hall of Fame candidacy.

Team Success

In addition to his interception prowess, Hayes enjoyed team success during his career. He was instrumental in helping the Raiders win two Super Bowl championships, in Super Bowl XV and Super Bowl XVIII. His ability to make crucial plays in high-stakes games further highlights his impact on the sport.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lester Hayes’ interception record stands as a testament to his exceptional skills and impact as a cornerback. With 39 interceptions and numerous memorable performances throughout his career, Hayes solidified his place among the game’s defensive greats. Although he has yet to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, his contributions to the Raiders and his remarkable interception record ensure that his legacy as a dominant cornerback will endure.

Sources

1. Wikipedia contributors. “Lester Hayes.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lester_Hayes
2. Pro-Football-Reference.com. “Lester Hayes NFL Stats.” Available at: https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HayeLe00.htm
3. Silver And Black Pride. “This is one NFL record held by a Raiders player that may never be broken.” Available at: https://www.silverandblackpride.com/2018/6/25/17503400/this-is-one-nfl-record-held-by-a-raiders-player-that-may-never-be-broken

FAQs

How many interceptions did Lester Hayes have in his career?

Lester Hayes had a total of 39 interceptions during his career.

What is Lester Hayes’ record for interceptions in a single season?

Lester Hayes set a record for the most interceptions in a single season in the modern era with 13 interceptions during the 1980 season.

Does Lester Hayes hold the franchise record for career interceptions?

Yes, Lester Hayes shares the franchise record for career interceptions with Willie Brown, both having 39 interceptions.

Was Lester Hayes elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

No, as of the current date, Lester Hayes has not been elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

How many interception return yards did Lester Hayes accumulate?

Lester Hayes accumulated 572 interception return yards during his career.

What other achievements did Lester Hayes have in his career?

Apart from his interception record, Lester Hayes won two Super Bowl championships with the Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders.

How long did Lester Hayes play for the Raiders?

Lester Hayes played for the Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders for ten years.

Did Lester Hayes’ use of stickum affect his Hall of Fame candidacy?

Lester Hayes’ use of stickum, an adhesive substance that aided players in gripping the ball, may have influenced his Hall of Fame candidacy. Stickum was banned by the NFL in 1981.