Lester Hayes

Lore & Background

Hayes shares the all-time club record for regular-season interceptions, 39, with Willie Brown, while his eight playoff interceptions are tied for the second-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). Hayes was nicknamed 'The Judge.' He was converted by John Madden from safety to cornerback after being chosen by the Raiders in the fifth round of the 1977 draft. Hayes became known for his bump-and-run coverage style and played with a distinctive crouching stance. He was introduced to Stickum in his 1977 rookie season by Fred Biletnikoff and began slathering it all over his arms and uniform. The use of Stickum was banned by the NFL in 1981 by a rule bearing his name. Hayes retired after the 1986 season.

In Their Own Story

The 1980 season began with turbulence for the Raiders, who started 2–3 after trading Ken Stabler for Dan Pastorini. When Pastorini suffered a broken leg in Week 5 against Kansas City, rookie Jim Plunkett took over but struggled initially with five interceptions in a loss. However, once Plunkett found his rhythm under new coaching strategies, the team surged, winning six straight games to finish 11–5. Hayes was the defensive engine throughout this run. In the Wild Card round against Houston, he helped secure a 27–7 victory by assisting in two interceptions of former Raider Stabler. His presence was felt again in the AFC Championship against San Diego and culminated in Super Bowl XV against Philadelphia. There, Hayes's teammate Rod Martin recorded three interceptions, but Hayes's season-long dominance had set the tone for a defense that stifled opponents all year, earning the Raiders their second Super Bowl title.

Reader's Guide

Hayes played college football for Texas A&M Aggies starting in 1973, first as a defensive end, then linebacker and safety, and became an All-American as a safety. He intercepted 14 passes in his Texas A&M career, ranking second in school history. In the NFL, Hayes led the league with 13 interceptions in 1980 and was named AP Defensive Player of the Year and NEA Defensive Player of the Year. He added five interceptions in the 1980 playoffs. In Super Bowl XVIII, played on his 29th birthday, he effectively covered Charlie Brown and Art Monk. During his last four seasons, he formed a partnership with Mike Haynes. Hayes had 39 regular-season interceptions (including four defensive touchdowns) and eight playoff interceptions. In 2012, the Professional Football Researchers Association named Hayes to the PFRA Hall of Very Good Class of 2012.

Did You Know?

• Hayes was nicknamed 'The Judge' after a 1975 win against rival Texas, where he predicted Earl Campbell would gain 21 yards; Campbell gained 23.
• Hayes overcame a stutter in spring 1981 with the help of speech pathologists at Hollins College in Virginia.
• A big Star Wars fan, Hayes declared himself the 'only true Jedi' in the NFL during pregame interviews for Super Bowl XVIII.
• Hayes moved to Modesto, California in 1994 for a more 'quiet life.'