“My life spiraled out of control for years—for years. But today, guys, I get to go back into the locker room, to my teammates and tell them, guys, the mistakes that I made, and that the only way that you can grow is that you got to ask for help.” – Charles Haley

Last summer, in 2015, two-time NFL All-Pro Charles Haley was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This was a huge moment for the mental health advocate, and to those interested in the football mental game.

Charles Haley situation is unique to say the least, as he was able to gain huge amounts of success on the field even while continuing to battle internally. Many football psychologists agree that Haley is a clear example of football mental toughness.

Charles Haley’s career has had its ups and downs, with quite a long list in the up column, a testament to his strong football mind.
His success began in his college years, during which he was a two-time All-American and was James Madison’s all-time leading tackler when his career there ended.

This football confidence continued on to the NFL, where the amazing feats did not end.

Haley is still the only player to have won five Super Bowl Championships, and he did so in a short, 12 season career. But the numbers don’t express what a beast and powerhouse of football mental game he was, with the ability to change a game single-handedly.

As such, Haley has been inducted into the Virginia Sports, College Football, Texas Black Sports, and Pro Football Halls of Fame. He also joined the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2011 as the member with the least amount of games played (by far).

But Haley’s career wasn’t always a football player’s dream. It is assumed that he missed being inducted into the Pro Football hall due to his antics. Haley’s football mental game was good, but was hindered by the other side of his personality.

In 1992, Haley was traded away following two significant incidents involving both his coach and the quarterback while playing for the San Francisco 49ers. He had a history of locker-room bullying and fights with teammates. For such a player with so much football confidence on the field, it was confusing to see such unwarranted behaviour among his teams.

Only after retiring was he diagnosed with bipolar disorder and was able to seek the proper treatment. We can only imagine what a player he would have been with the right mental health treatment.

Haley is now receiving the therapy he needs and is taking his medication daily and proudly. Even Hailey now knows the biggest first step in his recovery was reaching out for help.

Perhaps this provides us with some insight into his journey, when he was pushing those closest to him away.
He is now trying to re-invent himself and give back, by being a mental health advocate, supporting numerous organizations like the Salvation Army, and mentoring NFL rookies on developing a strong football mental game and seeking mental health treatment if needed.

Even throughout his induction speech, Haley expressed the need for those battling mental health issues to reach out for the support they need.

We imagine now what Haley’s Rollercoaster career could have looked like with the right mental health services. Mental stability helps a player focus, and can be essential to football mental toughness.

This translates to play on the field, and tremendous football confidence. With the right mental health services and football mental preparation, any player can significantly strengthen their game.

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