Charles Haley

First five-time Super Bowl champion; three titles with Dallas Cowboys.

Charles Lewis Haley (born January 6, 1964) is an American former professional football player in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Francisco 49ers (1986–1991, 1998–1999) and Dallas Cowboys (1992–1996). He was the first five-time Super Bowl champion; only Tom Brady, with seven titles, has won more. He won two Super Bowls with the 49ers (XXIII, XXIV) and three with the Cowboys (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX); starting in all five championship games. Haley was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

Quick Facts

Position: Defensive end, linebacker
Born: 6 January 1964
Birthplace: Gladys, Virginia, U.S.
High school: William Campbell (Naruna, Virginia)
College: James Madison (1982–1985)
Draft year: 1986
Draft round: 4
Draft pick: 96

Lore & Background

Haley was born in Gladys, Virginia. He attended William Campbell High School in Naruna, Virginia, where he was a three-year starter for the football team, playing linebacker and tight end. He accepted a scholarship from James Madison University. He was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round (96th overall) of the 1986 NFL draft. On August 26, 1992, Haley was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 1993 second round selection and a 1994 third round selection. He was moved to right defensive end in the Cowboys' 4–3 defense. He retired after the 1996 season because of his back injuries and his youngest daughter Brianna being diagnosed with leukemia. After football, Haley was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and began to undergo therapy and to take medication. He was an assistant defensive coach for the Detroit Lions from 2001 to 2002.

Reader's Guide

Haley was selected to five Pro Bowls (1988, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995) and was named NFL All-Pro in 1990 and 1994. In his first four seasons in Dallas, he was on three Super Bowl-winning teams: in 1992 (XXVII), 1993 (XXVIII), and 1995 (XXX). He was the first player with more than four Super Bowl rings. He was inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor on November 6, 2011.