NFL NEWS
Charles Haley Deserves Induction Into The NFL Hall of Fame
Published by MoonDog on July 8, 2008
Next month on August 2, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will hold its annual induction ceremony introducing the newest members of the game’s elite fraternity. This year Fred Dean is one of six enshrinees into the HOF and is most deserving of the honor. Dean played 11 seasons from 1975 to 1985, the first six with the San Diego Chargers before finishing his career with the San Francisco 49ers.
Dean played six seasons in the NFL before sacks became an official statistic in 1982. While his sack totals aren’t official, estimates have him with nearly 100. During his 141-game career, Dean played on five division champions. In addition, he played in three NFC championship games and in two of San Francisco’s Super Bowl victories (Super Bowls XVI and XIX).
Dean earned all-conference honors four times – twice with the Chargers and twice with the 49ers. He was also named to four Pro Bowls (1980-1982, 1984) and selected All-Pro twice (1980-1981).
While those are very impressive credentials, Charles Haley compiled even more impressive statistics during his career yet he hasn’t received any recognition from the voters as being a potential Hall of Fame candidate.
Haley played 12 seasons in the NFL, beginning his career with the 49ers in 1986. Haley spent a total of seven seasons with San Francisco, leaving in 1991 after he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys but returning for his final season in 1999. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1986 NFL Draft out of James Madison University. Haley began his career as an outside linebacker used almost exclusively on passing downs.
In his rookie season in 1986, Haley recorded 59 tackles, 12 sacks, four forced fumbles and one interception. Haley’s 12 sacks were second only to San Diego’s Leslie O’Neal (12.5) for most sacks by a rookie.
For his career, Haley recorded 100.5 quarterback sacks, 2 interceptions (9 return yards), and 8 fumble recoveries, which he returned for 9 yards and a touchdown. He also was named to five Pro Bowls (1988, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995) and was named NFL All-Pro in 1990 and 1994.
Haley is the only player in NFL history to have been on five Super Bowl-winning teams. No player in the modern history of the NFL can make such a claim. Haley helped the 49ers win Super Bowl’s XXIII and XXIV and while a member of the Cowboys won three more rings in Super Bowl’s XXVII, XXVIII and XXX.
Haley’s supporters include the late Bill Walsh and recently inducted Hall of Famer’s John Madden and Troy Aikman.
At Haley’s retirement ceremony in 1999, Walsh said, “Charles is one of the greatest players of our era. At one point he was considered the best pass rusher in all of football. He’s been a credit to the game and very well could be a Hall of Fame candidate.”
John Madden echoed Walsh’s sentiments, recalling Haley’s career. “Charles Haley is one of my favorite players of all-time because of the way he played. Everything he did was about winning. And he’s one of the greatest pass rushers ever to play the game. He was relentless and he would take the inside. So many pass rushers like to stay on the outside, but Charles would take the inside and that’s what made him such a great pass rusher. In football, you are measured by how you do as a team and he is the only guy ever to win five Super Bowl rings. I think that speaks for itself.”
Troy Aikman recognized the importance of Haley’s contributions during the Cowboys run of Super Bowl victories. “In my opinion, we would not have experienced the run of success we enjoyed here if it were not for Charles Haley’s contributions. He brought a championship attitude to our club and helped show us what it took to reach the top. I always admired and respected the way he came to play every game, every down.”
Haley’s career statistics compare very favorably with current Hall of Fame members Jack Youngblood and Howie Long, both of which were very similar players to Haley. Youngblood and Long weren’t big defensive ends but they were relentlessness in rushing the quarterback and that is what eventually got them inducted into the HOF.
When looking at the statistics of many current Hall of Fame members, those specifically that played defensive end or linebacker, Charles Haley produced comparable numbers and consistently helped his teams win championships.
In his first few years of eligibility, Haley has not made it to the list of 15 finalists. However, Haley’s accomplishments make him worthy of induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I’m calling upon the voters to give Haley the strongest consideration and urge them to induct him into the Hall of Fame as a member of the 2009 class.
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ck0712 on Tue, 8th Jul 2008 04:52
NICE write up moon. i think the HOF is a pop contest sometimes
Does Charles Haley deserve the HOF | Sports Blog Bucks on Tue, 8th Jul 2008 07:58
[...] Here is the link- Charles Haley Deserves an HOF Induction [...]
MoonDog on Tue, 8th Jul 2008 08:03
Chick – Thanks dear. Charles Haley was the best pass rusher of his day. I can’t believe he hasn’t received a mention from the media for induction. Talk to your boys at ESPN!
tophatal on Wed, 9th Jul 2008 12:39
Moon Dog
The fact that I believe his name as yet hasn’t been placed on a HOF ballot may well be all the more astonishing. But then again enshrinement into the Hall ought to mean something. An acknowledgment from one’s peers as to validating your career. To my mind I don’t think that Haley needs it. His credentials speaks for itself !
The adjudicators and those who end up casting the votes wouldn’t know greatness if it was shat down on them by a bird at this juncture ! Such is the piousness and the stupidity within that particular group of individuals.
tophatal …
darlingdarlene on Mon, 15th Sep 2008 01:48
Charles deserves lifetime recogntion for his professional skills as a player for NFL. His awards and playing score records speak for itself. Stop the hating and the madness… Induct Haley in NFL Hall of Fame for 2009.
gdbenne on Wed, 17th Dec 2008 14:09
No question Haley should be a HOFer. I saw almost every game he played for Dallas, and I don’t remember a defensive player who could take over a game like he did.
Probably the most underrated player I have ever seen.