Editing Lester Hayes (section)

===Stickum usage===
Hayes was introduced to [[Stickum]], an adhesive substance used by players to improve their grip, in his 1977 rookie season by [[Fred Biletnikoff]]. Instead of just applying a small amount to his hands, though, he began to slather it all over his arms and even his uniform, drawing more and more attention to the substance.<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Kaplan|first1=Emily|title=History of the NFL in 95 Objects: Stickum|url=http://mmqb.si.com/2014/07/15/nfl-history-in-95-objects-stickum|access-date=December 4, 2016|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=July 14, 2015}}</ref> Hayes later described the influence the adhesive had on his career, saying that before being introduced to it in his rookie year, he "couldn't catch a cold in Antarctica".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kroichick |first=Ron |date=2000-12-31 |title=Hayes Now Leads the Quiet Life / Former scourge of the secondary has exchanged partying for religion |url=https://www.sfgate.com/sports/kroichick/article/Hayes-Now-Leads-the-Quiet-Life-Former-scourge-3236046.php |access-date=2022-11-22 |website=SFGATE |language=en-US}}</ref> The use of Stickum was banned by the NFL in 1981 by [[List of NFL nicknames#Rules named after NFL figures|a rule bearing his name]].

In the six seasons that Hayes played following the banning of Stickum, he had 14 total interceptions, compared to the 25 that he had in his first four seasons. However, he was named to the Pro Bowl and selected as a second-team All-Pro four times after 1980.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chadiha|first1=Jeffri|title=Notorious image sticks with these Raiders|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/cheat/news/story?id=2957892|access-date=December 4, 2016|publisher=ESPN|date=August 9, 2007}}</ref> Hayes later stated that alongside lingering thumb injuries, the Stickum ban contributed to a decline in his later career.<ref name=":0" /> Biletnikoff and [[Jerry Rice]], both of whom have admitted their usage of Stickum, have been inducted into the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]], while Hayes has not.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/jerry-rice-on-stickum-use-all-players-did-it/ | title=Jerry Rice on stickum use: 'All players did it' | date=February 7, 2015 }}</ref> He has been a finalist four times (2001–2004) and a semifinalist six times (2005–2010).