2024: Tamba Hali | Chiefs Hall of Honor | Kansas City Chiefs - Chiefs.com
2024 | Tamba Hali | Defensive End
Hali spent his entire 12-year career in Kansas City (2006-17), appearing in 177 games, the fourth most by any Chiefs defender in franchise history. He made 157 starts, tied for the sixth-most by any player in Chiefs history. Hali was named to the 2006 NFL All-Rookie Team, was selected to the Pro Bowl five straight seasons from 2011-15 and was named to the AP All-Pro second-team twice (2011 and 2013). Hali was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week four times in his career, tied for the second most by any Chiefs defender.
He stands as one of the most prolific pass rushers in Chiefs history. His 89.5 sacks for -591.5 yards are both second only to PFHOF LB Derrick Thomas in Chiefs history. The total includes 8.0 sacks his rookie season, the third most for a rookie in franchise history. He was also relentless when it came to punching the ball out of the opponent's grasp. With 33 career forced fumbles he is second, again to only Thomas, for the most in forced fumbles Chiefs history. His six forced fumbles in his rookie season were a franchise rookie record and are tied for fourth-most in a season in Chiefs history.
After recording 8.0 sacks his rookie year, he would go on to match or exceed that total six times in his career, tied for the second-most seasons with 8.0 or more sacks in franchise history. He recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2010 and reached double-digit sacks three times in his career (2010, 2011 and 2013), a mark only Thomas and Chiefs Hall of Fame DE Neil Smith have reached more times. He recorded 3.0 sacks in a game on three separate occasions, one of just five Chiefs to reach that mark three or more times.
Hali entered the NFL as a first-round pick of the Chiefs (20th overall) in 2006. He played collegiately at Penn State University from 2002-05. He played in 47 total games during his four seasons in State College, Pennsylvania, totaling 179 tackles (84 solo) and 14.0 sacks. His college career was highlighted by his senior campaign when he recorded 65 tackles (27 solo) which included 11.0 sacks and 17 tackles for loss, both of which were the top mark in the Big Ten for the season. At the conclusion of the season, he was selected as a first-team All-Big Ten defensive lineman and became the 13th consensus All-American in Nittany Lions history.
As impactful as Hali was on the field, his influence reached even further in his off-the-field efforts. Hali, the Chiefs 2014 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee, was born in Liberia in 1983, a country that was thrown into civil war while he was a child. He fled the country and came to the United States when he was 10 years old but has never forgotten his roots. Throughout the years he has used his position and platform to spread awareness of the needs in West Africa. His dedication to the area has not stopped at words alone as he has donated tens-of-thousands of dollars to causes in the region. In 2014 he donated $50,000 to construct a 70-bed Ebola treatment unit as the disease devastated communities in the region.
Along with his work abroad, Hali has given back to the communities that have supported him along his football journey. In Kansas City he partnered with the Bishop Sullivan Center to purchase and serve meals, focusing on sustainable food made with healthy ingredients. He went above and beyond for the families affiliated with the service organizations helping provide furniture, clothing and other necessities to those in need. Hali has also given back generously to his alma mater, Teaneck High School, in New Jersey. Among other initiatives, he has donated shoes for the entire football program, financed the school's freshman football team with a $15,000 gift and gave $40,000 to complete upgrades to facilities and build the school's Athletics Hall of Fame.
Hali's contributions to the community didn't stop with his retirement, he continues to reach out a hand of service today. He serves on the board of directors at Literacy KC, an organization aimed at advancing literacy within the Kansas City metropolitan area through direct services, advocacy and collaboration. He is also an active member of the Kansas City Ambassadors, a group which focuses on and participates in a wide variety of philanthropic endeavors.
From his time as a dominant force rushing the quarterback to his current role spreading the message of the Kingdom with a heart of service, Hali – still a resident of the Kansas City metro – exemplifies what it means to be a Chiefs Hall of Famer through and through.
