Lester Hayes

The Judge: A Raider legend and one of the greatest shutdown cornerbacks in NFL history.

Lester Craig Hayes (born January 22, 1955) is an American former professional football player who was a cornerback for the Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders of the National Football League (NFL).

Quick Facts

Games played: 19
Defensive touchdowns: 2
Team interceptions: 35
Team turnovers: 52

Lore & Background

Hayes shares the all-time club record for regular-season interceptions, 39, with Willie Brown, while his eight playoff interceptions rank as the fifth-most in NFL history. His season with 13 interceptions in 1980 is tied for second-most in a single season all-time and the most since 1952. Hayes contributed to the Raiders' Super Bowl wins in 1980 and 1983. He was a five-time All-Pro selection and Pro Bowler (1980–1984).

Reader's Guide

Hayes was converted by John Madden from safety to cornerback after being chosen by the Raiders in the fifth round of the 1977 draft. He became known for his bump-and-run coverage style and played with a distinctive low crouching stance. He formed a partnership with Mike Haynes during his last four seasons, considered one of the best in league history. Hayes retired after the 1986 season with 39 regular-season interceptions (including four defensive touchdowns) and eight playoff interceptions.

Did You Know?

Hayes was nicknamed 'The Judge' after predicting Texas running back Earl Campbell would gain 21 yards; Campbell gained 23.
He was introduced to Stickum by Fred Biletnikoff in his 1977 rookie season and slathered it all over his arms and uniform.
The NFL banned Stickum in 1981 with a rule bearing Hayes' name.
Hayes overcame a stutter in spring 1981 with the help of speech pathologists at Hollins College in Virginia.
He declared himself the 'only true Jedi' in the NFL during pregame interviews for Super Bowl XVIII.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were Lester Hayes's key statistics in 1980?

In a single season, Hayes recorded an NFL-leading 13 interceptions while playing all 19 games. He also contributed two defensive touchdowns as part of a unit that forced a record 52 total turnovers.

How did Lester Hayes help the Raiders win Super Bowl XV?

Hayes anchored a dominant defense that was crucial in overcoming early-season struggles and quarterback instability. His ability to create turnovers helped Oakland become the first wild-card team ever to capture a Super Bowl title.