Tamba Hali

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Hali was born in Gbarnga, Liberia. He was sent to the United States at the age of 10 to escape civil war-torn Liberia. He worked to become an NFL-caliber player because he thought it would help him raise the money to reunite with his mother, Rachel Keita, and bring her to the United States after not having seen her for more than twelve years. Raised in Teaneck, New Jersey, Hali attended Teaneck High School, where he played for the high school football team. He was named a high school All-American. He also lettered in basketball. Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Hali was listed as the No. 5 strongside defensive end in the nation in 2002. Hali's first name is based on Kissi culture wherein the second son born to a woman is always named 'Tamba'. On 8 January 2016, Hali's fiancé gave birth to their son. In his spare time, Hali writes rap music which he records in a studio in his basement. On 9 June 2017, Hali released his single that was produced by Masterkraft, 'The One For Me', on Apple Music. Hali became a U.S. citizen on 31 July 2006. Following his rookie year, Hali began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under the instruction of Rener Gracie and was promoted to purple belt in November 2017.

In Their Own Story

On July 31, 2006, just weeks after being drafted 20th overall by the Chiefs, Hali left training camp in River Falls, Wisconsin, to fly home to Teaneck, New Jersey, and become a permanent U.S. citizen. His mother arrived in Kansas City on September 28, 2006, living with him on a one-year visa. She witnessed her son's first NFL game on October 1, as the Chiefs shut out the San Francisco 49ers 41–0. Hali won the Mack Lee Hill award for top rookie that season, leading the team with eight sacks. In 2009, he successfully transformed from a 4–3 defensive end to an outside linebacker in Todd Haley's new 3–4 defense, recording 8.5 sacks and a safety. His loyalty was rewarded on August 4, 2011, when the Chiefs signed him to a five-year, $60 million contract. He later restructured his deal in March 2015 to free up cap space before signing a three-year extension in March 2016.

Reader's Guide

Hali received an athletic scholarship to attend Pennsylvania State University, where he played for coach Joe Paterno's Penn State Nittany Lions football team from 2002 to 2005. Following his senior season in 2005, Hali was recognized as a unanimous All-American, the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year, and a first-team All-Big Ten selection. He was instrumental in helping the Nittany Lions finish 11–1, winning the Big Ten championship and the Orange Bowl that season. He led the Big Ten with 11 sacks (tied for eighth nationally) and 17 tackles for loss and earned numerous accolades for his play. He was a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, presented to the nation's top defensive player, and the Ted Hendricks Defensive End Award. Hali's season sack total is tied for sixth-best at Penn State and his 36 career tackles for loss are tied with Matt Millen for tenth best. Hali received the Robert B. Mitinger Award, which is given to the Nittany Lion football player who best personifies courage, character, and social responsibility. Hali was named defensive most valuable player (MVP) of the 2006 Senior Bowl. He was later inducted into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame. Hali entered the 2006 NFL draft ranked as the third-best defensive end behind Mario Williams and Kamerion Wimbley. Tamba spent some time as a defensive tackle in college. There was not much pre-draft hype for Hali heading into the 2006 NFL Draft until The Sporting News made his amazing story of escape from war-torn Liberia at age 10 their 21 April 2006 cover story. NFL scouts began to take notice, reporting that Hali presented himself in an excellent manner not only in his workout but also in his interview at the NFL Combine. Hali was chosen 20th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in a surprise move. On 31 July 2006, Hali was excused from the Chiefs two-a-day practices at training camp in River Falls, Wisconsin, and flew back to his home in Teaneck, New Jersey to be sworn in as a permanent citizen of the United States. On 28 September 2006, Hali's mother Rachel arrived in Kansas City, Missouri and lived with Tamba on a one-year visa. On 1 October, she saw her son play for the first time as the Chiefs shut out the San Francisco 49ers, 41–0. Hali won the Mack Lee Hill award as the top Chiefs rookie for 2006. At the end of the 2006 NFL season, Hali led the Chiefs with eight sacks. He was named to the NFL

Did You Know?

• Hali's only NFL safety came in 2011 against the Indianapolis Colts, not in 2009 as some sources incorrectly state.
• Hali was named defensive MVP of the 2006 Senior Bowl and later inducted into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame.
• He became a U.S. citizen on 31 July 2006, the same day he was excused from Chiefs training camp to be sworn in.