Charles Haley

Verified Timeline

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 a two-time Division I-AA All-American and finished his career with 506 tackles (school record), 17 sacks, and 3 interceptions. Haley was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round (96th overall) of the 1986 NFL draft. He played outside linebacker in a 3–4 defense, finished second behind Leslie O'Neal for rookies with 12 sacks and was voted to the NFL All-Rookie team. In 1988, he was named the starter at left outside linebacker. He was named to his first Pro Bowl for the 1988 season. In 1990, he was third in the league with 16 sacks, voted the UPI NFC Defensive Player of the Year, and a consensus All-Pro. On August 26, 1992, the 49ers traded him to the Dallas Cowboys. With the Cowboys, he was moved to right defensive end in a 4–3 defense. He received the UPI NFC Defensive Player of the Year Award and was a consensus All-Pro once again in 1994. He retired after the 1996 season due to back injuries and his youngest daughter being diagnosed with leukemia. He was signed by the 49ers on January 2, 1999, and re-signed for the 1999 season, tallying three sacks.

In Their Own Story

Candlestick Park fog rolled off the bay as Charles Haley lined up at the line of scrimmage. He didn't need to shout; his gaze locked onto the quarterback, projecting a silent promise of disruption. When the ball snapped, time didn't fracture—it collapsed. The offensive tackle lunged for leverage, but Haley stepped inside, a blur of gold and red, swallowing the pocket before the play could breathe. Amidst the wind and roar of the crowd, his singular focus remained: the sack, the chaos, and the victory that inevitably followed.

Reader's Guide

Charles Haley is a former NFL linebacker and defensive end. He played for the San Francisco 49ers (1986–1991, 1998–1999) and Dallas Cowboys (1992–1996). He won five Super Bowls: two with the 49ers (XXIII, XXIV) and three with the Cowboys (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX). He was selected to five Pro Bowls (1988, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995) and was named NFL All-Pro in 1990 and 1994. He recorded 100.5 career sacks. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Did You Know?

• Charles Haley was the first five-time Super Bowl champion in NFL history.
• He was selected by the 49ers in the fourth round (96th overall) of the 1986 NFL draft, not the fifth round.
• Haley won two Super Bowls with the 49ers (XXIII, XXIV) and three with the Cowboys (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX).
• He was selected to five Pro Bowls, not six.
• After football, Haley was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and began therapy and medication.