Charles Haley

Football · Advocate

United States

Bipolar disorderSelf-disclosed [3]

Charles Haley is a former NFL linebacker and defensive end who played for the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. He became the first player in NFL history to win five Super Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015. [1]

Last updated September 15, 2026

Career and work

Haley was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fourth round of the 1986 NFL Draft and developed into one of the league’s leading pass rushers. He played linebacker and defensive end during a 12-season NFL career split between the 49ers and Dallas Cowboys. [1]

He won two Super Bowls with San Francisco and three with Dallas, becoming the first player in NFL history to win five Super Bowl championships. Haley finished his career with 100.5 sacks, was selected to five Pro Bowls, earned two first-team All-Pro selections, and was twice named NFC Defensive Player of the Year. [1]

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015. [1]

What has been publicly discussed

“Silence is a killer. Being bipolar is something I'm going to deal with for the rest of my life and I'm not ashamed of it.”
— Charles Haley [6]

The following sources contain information that supports the claims made in this profile.

Pro Football Hall of FameCharles Haley
Provides career information including Haley’s NFL teams, five Super Bowl championships, Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections, career sack total, and Hall of Fame induction.
Sports Illustrated / The MMQBCharles Haley opens up about bipolar disorder
A substantial interview covering Haley’s bipolar diagnosis, suicidal thinking, behaviour during his playing career, reluctance to seek help, and later decision to speak publicly about mental illness.
SFGateKNBR conversation with Charles Haley
Supports Haley’s diagnosis, treatment history, medication, and reflections on recognizing that he needed professional help.
CBS New YorkCharles Haley discusses his temper and bipolar disorder
Supports Haley’s account of initially resisting medication and later accepting treatment as part of managing his illness.
WBUR, Only A GameCharles Haley: Fear No Evil
Covers Haley’s later treatment, including his experience at La Paloma Treatment Center, and his reflections on living with bipolar disorder.
The Menninger ClinicMenninger Signature Luncheon tackles stigma with Charles Haley
Documents Haley’s mental-health advocacy and contains his statement that bipolar disorder is something he expects to manage throughout his life and is no longer ashamed of.
RGRG

Recommended books and other resources about Charles Haley and lived experience.

Book · Charles Haley with Jeff SullivanFear No Evil: Tackling Quarterbacks & Demons on My Way to the Hall of Fame
Haley’s memoir about his NFL career, the behaviour and conflicts that marked much of it, his eventual bipolar diagnosis, treatment, and later efforts to understand and manage the illness.
Interview · WBUR, Only A GameCharles Haley: 5 Super Bowl Rings — And A Lifelong Battle With Bipolar Disorder
A roughly ten-minute interview in which Haley discusses his football career, bipolar disorder, treatment, and the mistakes he hopes others can avoid.
Interview · KPIX / CBS San FranciscoNFL Hall of Famer Charles Haley Bares Soul, Offers Life Lessons
A longer interview focused on Haley’s life beyond football, including his bipolar diagnosis and his reflections on behaviour, relationships and mental health.
Interview · CBS Texas, 2022Charles Haley discusses bipolar disorder and mental health
A later interview in which Haley talks about living with bipolar disorder, stigma and why he now speaks publicly about mental health.

Continue exploring

View all