Tamba Hali

{{Short description|Liberian born American football player (born 1983)}}

{{Infobox NFL biography

| name = Tamba Hali

| image = Tamba Hali 2014.JPG

| alt =

| caption = Hali with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2014

| number = 91

| position = Defensive end
Linebacker

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1983|11|3|df=y}}

| birth_place = Gbarnga, Liberia

| death_date =

| death_place =

| height_ft = 6

| height_in = 3

| weight_lbs = 275

| high_school = Teaneck {{nowrap|(Teaneck, New Jersey, U.S.)}}

| college = Penn State (2002–2005)

| draftyear = 2006

| draftround = 1

| draftpick = 20

| pastteams = * Kansas City Chiefs ({{NFL Year|2006}}–{{NFL Year|2017}})

| status =

| highlights = * 2× Second-team All-Pro (2011, 2013)

6× Pro Bowl (2010–2015)
PFWA All-Rookie Team (2006)
Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame
Unanimous All-American (2005)
Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year (2005)
First-team All-Big Ten (2005)
Second-team All-Big Ten (2004)

| statlabel1 = Total tackles

| statvalue1 = 591

| statlabel2 = Sacks

| statvalue2 = 89.5

| statlabel3 = Forced fumbles

| statvalue3 = 32

| statlabel4 = Fumble recoveries

| statvalue4 = 8

| pfr = HaliTa20

}}

Tamba Boimah Hali (born 3 November 1983) is a Liberian former professional player of American football who was a defensive end and linebacker in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, earning unanimous All-American honors. Hali was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft.

He played his entire twelve-year career for the Chiefs, where he was selected to six consecutive Pro Bowls from 2010 to 2015 and was a Second-team All-Pro selection in 2011 and in 2013.

Early life

Hali was born in Gbarnga, Liberia. He was sent to the United States at the age of 10 to escape civil war-torn Liberia.{{Cite web |last=Bandini |first=Nicky |date=10 October 2013 |title=Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali: From war-torn Liberia to a winning NFL team |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2013/oct/10/kansas-city-chiefs-linebacker-tamba-hali |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=The Guardian |language=en-GB}} 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.{{citation needed|date=May 2021}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Hopkins |first=Chris |date=18 May 2017 |title=Penn State throwback: Tamba Hali overcame many obstacles to become All-American |url=https://www.pennlive.com/pennstatefootball/2017/05/penn_state_throwback_tamba_hal.html |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=pennlive |language=en}}

Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Hali was listed as the No. 5 strongside defensive end in the nation in 2002.{{Cite web |title=Tamba Hali, 2002 Strongside Defensive End |url=https://n.rivals.com/content/prospects/2002/tamba-hali-22621 |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Rivals.com |language=en-US}}

College career

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, was recognized as a unanimous All-American,{{Cite web |title=Consensus All-America Teams (2000-2009) |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/awards/all-america-2000-2009.html |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |title=2005 Penn State Nittany Lions Stats |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/penn-state/2005.html |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2005 Big Ten Conference Year Summary |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/big-ten/2005.html |access-date=14 November 2022 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Orange Bowl - Penn State vs Florida State Box Score, January 3, 2006 |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/boxscores/2006-01-03-florida-state.html |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}}

He led the Big Ten with 11 sacks (tied for eighth nationally) and 17 tackles for loss and earned numerous accolades for his play.{{Cite web |title=2005 Big Ten Conference Leaders |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfbconferences/big-ten/2005-leaders.html |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Sports Reference |language=en}} 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.{{Cite web |last=Smades |first=Dustin |date=20 May 2015 |title=Tamba Hali: Hail to a great Kansas City Chiefs player |url=https://arrowheadaddict.com/2015/05/20/tamba-hali-kansas-city-chiefs-career/ |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Arrowhead Addict |language=en-US}}

Hali was named defensive most valuable player (MVP) of the 2006 Senior Bowl. He was later inducted into the Senior Bowl Hall of Fame.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Al |date=22 September 2017 |title=Penn State's Hali selected to Senior Bowl Hall of Fame |url=https://medium.com/philadelphia-football-stories/penn-states-hali-selected-to-senior-bowl-hall-of-fame-db60170b88aa |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Medium.com |language=en}}

Professional career

=Pre-draft=

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.{{Cite web |last=Attner |first=Paul |date=13 April 2006 |title='By the grace of God, I am alive' |url=http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=82586 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060910022802/http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=82586 |archive-date=10 September 2006 |website=Sporting News}} 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.

{{NFL predraft

| height ft = 6

| height in = 3

| weight = 275

| dash = 4.87

| shuttle = 4.31

| cone drill = 7.28

| vertical = 30

| broad ft = 8

| broad in = 10

| bench = 18

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 33 3/8

| hand span = 10 1/2

| note = All values from Penn State Pro Day, except measurables from NFL Combine{{Cite web |url=https://www.nfl.com/prospects/tamba-hali/32004841-4c13-1362-bd6d-0aba23c4923e |title=Tamba Hali Draft and Combine Prospect Profile |website=NFL.com |access-date=December 17, 2024}}{{Cite web |date=25 March 2009 |title=Tamba Hali, Penn State, DE, 2006 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=12471&DraftYear=2006 |access-date=16 April 2009 |website=draftscout.com}}

}}

=2006 season=

Hali was chosen 20th overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in a surprise move.{{Cite web |title=2006 NFL Draft Listing |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2006/draft.htm |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

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.{{Cite web |date=15 January 2016 |title=Chiefs defender Hali's mom finally sees him play |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2610147 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160115015024/http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2610147 |archive-date=15 January 2016 |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}

Hali won the Mack Lee Hill award as the top Chiefs rookie for 2006.{{Cite web |last=Oleszczak |first=Leigh |date=25 April 2018 |title=Kansas City Chiefs: Every First Round Draft Pick Since 2000 |url=https://kckingdom.com/2018/04/25/kansas-city-chiefs-every-first-round-draft-pick-since-2000/5/ |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=KC Kingdom |language=en-US}} At the end of the 2006 NFL season, Hali led the Chiefs with eight sacks.{{Cite web |title=2006 Kansas City Chiefs Statistics & Players |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/kan/2006.htm |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team.{{Cite web |title=2006 NFL All-Rookie Team |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/nfl-all-rookie-2006.htm |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

=2007–2010=

File:2010playoffs ravens vs chiefs.jpg in the Wild Card game.]]

In 2007, Hali had 7.5 sacks to go along with 59 total tackles, two passes defensed, and two forced fumbles.{{Cite web |title=Tamba Hali 2007 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HaliTa20/gamelog/2007/ |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Hali moved to right defensive end for the 2008 season, replacing Jared Allen. In the 2008 season, he had three sacks, 55 total tackles, two passes defensed, and three forced fumbles.{{Cite web |title=Tamba Hali 2008 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HaliTa20/gamelog/2008/ |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In 2009, Hali was again moved—this time to outside linebacker—to accommodate new head coach Todd Haley's 3–4 defense. Hali's transformation from an undersized 4–3 DE to a 3–4 OLB was an amazing one considering his time in college as a defensive tackle.{{Cite web |date=17 August 2009 |title=Haley greets work-in-progress Chiefs team with grueling camp |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/haley-greets-work-in-progress-chiefs-team-with-grueling-camp-09000d5d811f75e1 |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=NFL.com}} He finished the 2009 season with 8.5 sacks, 63 total tackles, one pass defensed, four forced fumbles, and scored a safety.{{Cite web |title=Tamba Hali 2009 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HaliTa20/gamelog/2009/ |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In 2010, the Chiefs hired a new defensive coordinator, Romeo Crennel.{{Cite web |date=13 January 2010 |title=Chiefs hire Crennel to be defensive coordinator |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=4821761 |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 3.{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL Week 3 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/week_3.htm |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Hali finished the season with an AFC-leading 14.5 sacks, leading to his first invitation to the Pro Bowl, which he declined citing personal reasons.{{Cite web |title=2010 NFL Defense |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/defense.htm |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Tamba Hali 2010 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HaliTa20/gamelog/2010/ |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Chiefs' general manager Scott Pioli made the signing of Hali to a long-term deal his top priority that off-season. Despite a lockout being in place, the two sides signed a five-year, $60 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=60000000|start_year=2011}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) contract ($35 million guaranteed) on 4 August 2011.{{Cite news |date=20 December 2011 |title=Reluctant superstar: Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali getting job done, even if he does so quietly |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/reluctant-superstar-chiefs-linebacker-tamba-hali-getting-job-done-even-if-he-does-so-quietly/2011/12/20/gIQAOiuQ7O_story.html |url-status=dead |access-date=15 September 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111121637/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/reluctant-superstar-chiefs-linebacker-tamba-hali-getting-job-done-even-if-he-does-so-quietly/2011/12/20/gIQAOiuQ7O_story.html |archive-date=11 January 2019}} He was ranked 64th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.{{Cite web |title=2011 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2011-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

=2011–2016=

Hali repaid this loyalty with an All-Pro season, racking up a career-high 83 tackles and leading the team in sacks (12) for the fifth time in his six seasons as a Chief.{{Cite web |title=Tamba Hali 2011 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HaliTa20/gamelog/2011/ |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Looney |first=Josh |date=6 January 2012 |title=Johnson and Hali earn AP All-Pro honors |url=http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/Johnson-and-Hali-earn-AP-All-Pro-honors/e9e24abc-0138-40cc-83f4-fb9bafb1f121 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120110082303/http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/Johnson-and-Hali-earn-AP-All-Pro-honors/e9e24abc-0138-40cc-83f4-fb9bafb1f121 |archive-date=10 January 2012 |access-date=16 January 2012 |website=Kansas City Chiefs}} He was named an All-Pro and selected to play in the 2012 Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |date=27 December 2011 |title=Two Chiefs Named to 2012 Pro Bowl Roster |url=http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/TWO-CHIEFS-NAMED-TO-2012-PRO-BOWL-ROSTER/b8551f4c-88f1-4526-8d50-e7ffcf5929f8 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108102320/http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/article-2/TWO-CHIEFS-NAMED-TO-2012-PRO-BOWL-ROSTER/b8551f4c-88f1-4526-8d50-e7ffcf5929f8 |archive-date=8 January 2012 |access-date=16 January 2012 |website=Kansas City Chiefs}} Hali started all 16 games in 2011 and finished second in sacks in the AFC. He tied for third in the conference with four forced fumbles, a team-best 12 tackles for loss, and 31 quarterback pressures. Hali moved into fourth place on the Chiefs' career sacks list that season. He was ranked #34 his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2012.{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2012-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On 20 August 2012, the NFL suspended Hali for one game for a violation of the league's substance abuse policy.{{Cite web |last=Skretta |first=Dave |date=20 August 2012 |title=NFL Suspends Chiefs LB Tamba Hali 1 Game |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/nfl-suspends-chiefs-lb-tamba-hali-game-17041826 |access-date=20 August 2012 |website=ABC News |agency=Associated Press}} On 26 December 2012, Hali was announced the starting outside linebacker for the AFC in the 2013 Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |title=2012 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2012/probowl.htm |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He finished the 2012 season with nine sacks, 51 total tackles, two passes defensed, and one forced fumble.{{Cite web |title=Tamba Hali 2012 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HaliTa20/gamelog/2012/ |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

In the 2013 season, Hali started in 15 games. In 15 appearances, he had 46 tackles, of which 39 were solo. He had 11 sacks, five forced fumbles, and one interception.{{Cite web |title=Tamba Hali 2013 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HaliTa20/gamelog/2013/ |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the 2013 season, Hali earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Weeks 6 and 14.{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Week 6 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/week_6.htm |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Week 14 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/week_14.htm |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod and was ranked 43rd by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2014.{{Cite web |title=2013 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2013/probowl.htm |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2014-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} In the 2014 season, Hali started in all 16 games. He had 59 tackles, of which 47 were solo, six sacks, and three forced fumbles {{Cite web |title=Tamba Hali 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HaliTa20/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week in Week 15.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Week 15 Leaders & Scores |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/week_15.htm |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} He earned his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl nomination and was ranked 70th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2015.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/probowl.htm |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2015-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On 8 March 2015, Hali restructured his contract to free up $3 million (~${{Format price|{{Inflation|index=US-GDP|value=3000000|start_year=2015}}}} in {{Inflation/year|US-GDP}}) in cap space to stay with the Chiefs. Throughout the off-season, it was believed Hali would be released.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=8 March 2015 |title=Chiefs' Tamba Hali agrees to restructure his contract |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-tamba-hali-agrees-to-restructure-his-contract-0ap3000000477310 |access-date=14 November 2022 |website=NFL.com}} In the 2015 season, he had 6.5 sacks, 48 total tackles, one pass defensed, and two forced fumbles.{{Cite web |title=Tamba Hali 2015 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HaliTa20/gamelog/2015/ |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} Hali made the Pro Bowl for the fifth consecutive year and was ranked 84th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2016.{{Cite web |title=2015 NFL Pro Bowlers |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2015/probowl.htm |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=2016 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2016-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}} On 8 March 2016, Hali signed a three-year contract to stay with the Chiefs.{{Cite web |last=Teicher |first=Adam |date=8 March 2016 |title=Tamba Hali, Chiefs agree to new 3-year deal |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/14928531/tamba-hali-kansas-city-chiefs-agree-new-3-year-deal |access-date=14 November 2022 |website=ESPN.com}} In the 2016 season, he had 3.5 sacks, 34 total tackles, and one fumble recovery.{{Cite web |title=Tamba Hali 2016 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HaliTa20/gamelog/2016/ |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

=2017 season=

In 2017, Hali started the 2017 season on the physically unable to perform list due to an undisclosed injury that kept him out all of training camp and the preseason.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=2 September 2017 |title=Chiefs keep Tamba Hali on PUP list to start season |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-keep-tamba-hali-on-pup-list-to-start-season-0ap3000000838734 |access-date=14 November 2022 |website=NFL.com}} He began practicing again on 2 November. The Chiefs had 21 days from the day he starts practicing to either activate him or place him on injured reserve.{{Cite web |last=Kissel |first=BJ |date=3 November 2017 |title=Andy Reid Shares Thoughts on Tamba Hali's Return to Practice |url=http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/Andy-Reid-Shares-Thoughts-on-Tamba-Hali%E2%80%99s-Return-to-Practice/7a731bbb-9567-4fa8-9ae3-570270a4891c?sf141062225=1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107012548/http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-2/Andy-Reid-Shares-Thoughts-on-Tamba-Hali%E2%80%99s-Return-to-Practice/7a731bbb-9567-4fa8-9ae3-570270a4891c?sf141062225=1 |archive-date=7 November 2017 |access-date=4 November 2017 |website=Chiefs.com}} He was moved to the active roster on 4 November 2017, prior to the team's Week 9 game against the Dallas Cowboys.{{Cite web |last=Dillon |first=John |date=4 November 2017 |title=Chiefs add Tamba Hali to 53-man roster, cut D.J. White |url=http://chiefswire.usatoday.com/2017/11/04/chiefs-add-tamba-hali-to-53-man-roster-cut-d-j-white/ |access-date=14 November 2022 |website=USAToday.com}} He appeared in five games and had one tackle and one quarterback hit.{{Cite web |title=Tamba Hali 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HaliTa20/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en}}

On 12 March 2018, Hali was released by the Chiefs after 12 seasons.{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=12 March 2018 |title=Chiefs release Tamba Hali after 12 seasons |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-release-veteran-lb-tamba-hali-after-12-seasons-0ap3000000920656 |access-date=14 November 2022 |website=NFL.com}} He finished his tenure with the Chiefs second in team history in sacks behind only Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Thomas.{{Cite web |date=12 March 2018 |title=Tamba Hali released by Chiefs |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/chiefs/2018/03/12/tamba-hali-released-kansas-city-chiefs/417134002/ |access-date=13 March 2018 |website=USA TODAY}}

=Retirement=

On 10 May 2021, Hali signed a one-day contract with the Chiefs to retire as a member of the team.{{Cite web |last=DeArdo |first=Bryan |date=10 May 2021 |title=Former Chiefs pass rusher Tamba Hali to sign one-day contract to retire with Kansas City |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/former-chiefs-pass-rusher-tamba-hali-to-sign-one-day-contract-to-retire-with-kansas-city/ |access-date=14 November 2022 |website=CBSSports.com}}

NFL career statistics

rowspan="2"\| Year ! rowspan="2"\| Team ! colspan="2"\| Games ! colspan="4"\| Tackles ! colspan="3"\| Fumbles ! colspan="4"\| Interceptions
class="wikitable" style="text-align: center;"
GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	FF	FR	Yds	Int	Yds	TD	PD
2006	KC \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 58 \|\| 41 \|\| 17 \|\| 8.0 \|\| 5 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 1 \|\| -9 \|\| 0 \|\| 4
2007	KC \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 58 \|\| 46 \|\| 12 \|\| 7.5 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 2
2008	KC \| 15 \|\| 15 \|\| 54 \|\| 43 \|\| 11 \|\| 3.0 \|\| 3 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 2
2009	KC \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 62 \|\| 46 \|\| 16 \|\| 8.5 \|\| 4 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 1
2010	KC \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 51 \|\| 36 \|\| 15 \|\| 14.5 \|\| 4 \|\| 2 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 3
2011	KC \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 66 \|\| 48 \|\| 18 \|\| 12.0 \|\| 4 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2012	KC \| 15 \|\| 15 \|\| 54 \|\| 43 \|\| 11 \|\| 9.0 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 2
2013	KC \| 15 \|\| 15 \|\| 46 \|\| 39 \|\| 7 \|\| 11.0 \|\| 5 \|\| 2 \|\| 11 \|\| 1 \|\| 10 \|\| 1 \|\| 1
2014	KC \| 16 \|\| 16 \|\| 59 \|\| 47 \|\| 12 \|\| 6.0 \|\| 3 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2015	KC \| 15 \|\| 14 \|\| 45 \|\| 36 \|\| 9 \|\| 6.5 \|\| 2 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2016	KC \| 16 \|\| 2 \|\| 34 \|\| 24 \|\| 10 \|\| 3.5 \|\| 0 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
2017	KC \| 5 \|\| 0 \|\| 1 \|\| 1 \|\| 0 \|\| 0.0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0 \|\| 0
colspan="2"\|[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/H/HaliTa20.htm Career]	175	158	588	453	135	89.5	33	8	13	2	1	1	16

Personal life

Hali's first name is based on Kissi culture wherein the second son born to a woman is always named "Tamba".{{Cite web |date=16 November 2013 |title=A new hope: The true story of Tamba Hali |url=https://thegrio.com/2013/11/16/a-new-hope-the-true-story-of-tamba-hali/ |access-date=3 April 2019 |website=theGrio |language=en-US}}

On 8 January 2016, Hali's fiancé gave birth to their son.{{Cite web |last=Allen |first=Patrick |date=8 January 2016 |title=Tamba Hali's wife gives birth to Tamba Hali II |url=https://arrowheadaddict.com/2016/01/08/tamba-halis-wife-gives-birth-to-tamba-hali-ii/ |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=Arrowhead Addict |language=en-US}}

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.{{Cite web |last=Sweeney |first=Pete |date=12 June 2017 |title=Kingdom Life: Tamba Hali Releases New Single |url=http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-7/Kingdom-Life-Tamba-Hali-Releases-New-Single/be991ea3-ea2e-4d1e-8654-55551a7eec08 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170616023434/http://www.chiefs.com/news/article-7/Kingdom-Life-Tamba-Hali-Releases-New-Single/be991ea3-ea2e-4d1e-8654-55551a7eec08 |archive-date=16 June 2017 |website=Chiefs.com |access-date=17 April 2019 }}

Hali became a U.S. citizen on 31 July 2006.{{Cite web |date=1 August 2006 |title=Chiefs rookie Hali gets his U.S. citizenship |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=2536534 |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |agency=Associated Press}} 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.{{Cite web |title=EPisode 78 Tamba Hali, NFL Superstar and Gracie Jiu Jitsu Purple Belt |url=http://www.graciejiujitsurocks.com/blogepisodes/episode-78-tamba-hali-nfl-superstar-and-gracie-jiu-jitsu-purple-belt |access-date=4 November 2017 |website=The Gracie Jiu Jitsu Rocks! Podcast}}{{Citation |last=GracieBreakdown |title=Rener Gracie Spars with 275 lb NFL Athlete (Gracie University Narrated Sparring) |date=1 July 2015 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZDQ0-Zbpt8&t=266s |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211222/iZDQ0-Zbpt8 |access-date=21 April 2019 |archive-date=22 December 2021 |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20070929041817/http://www.tambahali91.com/ Official website]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20060614100907/http://www.gopsusports.com/pressreleases/pressrelease.cfm?anncid=10044 "Hali Featured on Cover of The Sporting News"] gopsusports.com, 12 April 2006
[https://web.archive.org/web/20060910022802/http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=82586 "By the grace of God, I am alive."] The Sporting News, 13 April 2006
[https://web.archive.org/web/20060502051609/http://northjersey.com/page.php?qstr=eXJpcnk3ZjczN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXkxMDYmZmdiZWw3Zjd2cWVlRUV5eTY5MjQ1MDgmeXJpcnk3ZjcxN2Y3dnFlZUVFeXk2 "Hali getting mixed signals"] northjersey.com, 24 April 2006
[https://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/draft/2006-03-01-hali-feature_x.htm "Hali has come too far to stop short,"] USA Today, 1 March 2006
[https://web.archive.org/web/20060515030432/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/don_banks/02/25/hali.combine/ "The great escape: Hali travels amazing road to achieve football stardom,"] Sports Illustrated, 25 February 2006
[https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/2005-11-06-player-of-week_x.htm "Hali wrecks Wisconsin to earn Player of Week award,"] USA Today, 6 November 2005
[https://web.archive.org/web/20060919085139/http://www.kcchiefs.com/news/2006/05/11/de_tamba_hali_getting_sized_up_in_the_red_and_gold2/ Hali gets sized for his first Chiefs jersey VIDEO]
[https://archive.today/20071221144903/http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/KC/9581255 "Chiefs rookie Hali becomes U.S. citizen,"] NFL.com, 1 August 2006 {{Dead link|date=May 2018}}
[https://web.archive.org/web/20190111121637/https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/redskins/reluctant-superstar-chiefs-linebacker-tamba-hali-getting-job-done-even-if-he-does-so-quietly/2011/12/20/gIQAOiuQ7O_story.html “Reluctant superstar: Chiefs linebacker Tamba Hali getting job done, even if he does so quietly,”] Washington Post Associated Press, 20 December 2011.