Lester Hayes
Lester Hayes was a professional
American football player for the
National Football League Oakland/LA Raiders.
Hayes was commonly referred to as "Lester the Molester" and "the Judge." He was known for his "
bump and run" coverage style, and for using
Stickum™ before it was banned
in a rule bearing his name. In college, he became an
All-American Safety at
Texas A&M. Hayes was converted to
cornerback after being drafted by the Raiders in
1977. Hayes was a member of two Raiders championship teams (
1980,
1983), and was a five time
Pro Bowler (1980-1984).In 1980 Hayes led the NFL with 13 interceptions and was named AP
Defensive Player of the Year. He retired after the 1986 season with a total of 39 int. a Raider record shared with Hall of Famer
Willie Brown. He is eligible for enshrinement in the
Professional Football Hall of Fame, but as yet has not been selected.
Hayes was a lifelong
stutterer until well into his professional career. He tended to stay quiet, rather than draw attention to his condition. For this reason, he was often looked upon as not very smart, but after successful treatment, people "couldn't shut him up," according to Raiders coach
John Madden, and it was revealed that Hayes was an articulate, intelligent man. At autograph signings, he would maintain a constant flow of chatter, entertaining his fans with his wit and style.
Lester Hayes currently lives with his wife in
Modesto,
California.
Hayes received some level of notariety in 2000 when reports surfaced that he had sold his Super Bowl XVIII Ring to pay for emergency dental work. The ring was sold to an anonymous bidder for $18,500.00
*
Professional Football Researchers Association explanation of "The Lester Hayes Rule".
