Dec 27, 2013; Alameda, CA, USA; Lester Hayes at press conference at Oakland Raiders Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Cornerback – Lester Hayes
Long before there was a Darrelle Revis, there was Lester Hayes – a shutdown corner unlike anything the league had seen before.
Amazingly enough, Hayes lasted until the fifth round of the 1977 draft when the Raiders plucked him out of Texas A&M with the 126th overall pick. He spent the next ten seasons locking down one half of the field for the Raiders.
His best season came in 1980 when he picked off 13 passes which tied him with Dan Sandifer for second most interceptions in a season all time, behind only Dick Lane’s 14 in 1952. He was named the AP Defensive Player of the Year that season for his efforts. When the Raiders acquired Mike Haynes in 1983, the pair formed one of the most dominating cornerback tandems arguably, in league history.
Lester Hayes was a five time Pro Bowler, a first team All Pro in 1980, a five time second team All Pro, was named to the 1980’s All Decade team, and won two Super Bowls while with the Raiders.
Hayes was also well known for his use of Stickum – not just on his hands, but on his arms and uniform as well. Following his 13 interception performance in 1980, the league implemented the “Lester Hayes Rule” in 1981 which banned the use of the substance.
Hayes’ 39 career interceptions tie him with Willie Brown for most in franchise history.
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