Charles Haley

Charles Lewis Haley (born January 6, 1964 in Lynchburg, Virginia) attended William Campbell high school and is a former American football linebacker and defensive end in the National Football League who played for the San Francisco 49ers (1986–1991, 1998–1999) and the Dallas Cowboys (1992–1996). He was drafted in the fourth round of the 1986 NFL Draft out of James Madison University. A versatile defensive player, Haley began his career as a specialty outside linebacker, eventually progressing to pass-rusher and finally full-fledged defensive end. Haley had the reputation of being a volatile and unpredictable yet exceptionally talented and hardworking player.

Haley has the distinction of being the only player in NFL history to have been on five Super Bowl-winning teams. Playing for the San Francisco 49ers from 1986–1991, he won a ring from Super Bowl XXIII and XXIV following the 1988 and 1989 seasons, respectively. After having a personal conflict with 49ers head coach George Seifert and a physical confrontation with quarterback Steve Young, Haley was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in the 1992 off-season, with whom he won three more Super Bowl rings over the next four seasons in 1992 (Super Bowl XXVII), 1993 (XXVIII), and 1995 (XXX).

Although injuries would eventually force his retirement in 1996, Haley briefly resurfaced for the 1998 playoffs to aid the 49ers, and played for them in 1999. Finally out of playing football permanently, Haley turned to assistant coaching, and was a defensive assistant for the Detroit Lions.

In his 12 NFL seasons, Haley recorded 100.5 quarterback sacks, two interceptions (nine return yards), and eight fumble recoveries, which he returned for nine yards and a touchdown. He was also selected to play in five Pro Bowls (1988, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995) and was named NFL All-Pro in 1990 and 1994.

Haley's supporters, who included the late Bill Walsh, believe his personal accomplishments, especially his record five Super Bowl rings, make him worthy of induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, his history of obscene, violent, and mutinous behavior during his playing days has not helped his candidacy. He was one of the fifteen finalists in 2010 and 2011; however, he was not selected. He was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2006. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Haley is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, having entered the fraternity through the Xi Delta Chapter at James Madison University.

On August 19, 2011, Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys announced that Haley will be enshrined into the prestigious Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor on November 11, 2011.