An Unbeatable NFL Record: How Lester Hayes Used Glue to Stick Himself as a Record Holder

In the NFL, there is no easy way to instantly get better at catching… anymore.

Now it may seem absurd, but players used to be allowed to apply a glue-like substance called Stickum to themselves before games to give them an edge during competition. Many NFL receivers were using this to help them, but no one applied as much as Lester Hayes.

Lester Hayes #37 of the Raiders during a 1981 game against the New England Patriots. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

Lester Craig Hayes, defensive back of the Los Angeles Raiders from 1982-1986, was a successful player who helped win two Super Bowl titles and holds the record for most interceptions in an NFL modern era season – 13.

This record was reached while Hayes was still using Stickum, which has made question of the validity of his record.

On the sideline, Hayes has a drink stuck in his Stickum-slathered hands. (Retrieved from AW42/Pinterest)

Against criticism, Hayes stated in a 2007 interview with ESPN that, “the sole focus of our team was to win consistently. Whether it was a mental or a physical advantage, we were going to do whatever was necessary to win. Our attitude was that if we could get away with something, we were going to do it.”

His advantage using the substance was clear. When typically receiving an interception, it is clumsy. But when Haye got one, the ball entered his hands with little error.

Unlike most players who only used Stickum on their hands, Hayes lathered his entire body with it. This was to ensure that if the ball touched him at all, he would be able to catch it. It’s even reported that even players would stick to him.

During Super Bowl XV, Lester Hayes of the Raiders puts Stickum on his hands during a game against the Philadelphia Eagles. (Photo by Heinz Kluetmeier/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)

The NFL knew the use of the substance was disruptive and in 1981, they initiated a rule change to ban the substance. What is not known as, “The Lester Hayes Rule,” Rule 5  Article 4 Item 8 was created that states, “adhesive or slippery substances on the body, equipment, or uniform of any player.”

Critics of Hayes credited Stickum to be the source of his powerful catch, but they were far from wrong. In 1981 and 1982, after the rule change, Hayes was voted to the Pro Bowl.

His career began to slow down by 1984 from an injury, and he retired in 1986.

Hayes has the most NFL Interceptions in a season, but is not in the Hall of Fame. Many argue that he deserves the title due to his clear skill without the glue.

While his record may have been aided by Stickum, his outstanding skill was undeniable. The validity of his record is still up for debate.