Former Cowboys great Charles Haley talks teamwork, Hall of Fame
Former Dallas Cowboys great Charles Haley should consider a career in standup now that his Hall of Fame playing days are over.
Haley, who won three of his five Super Bowl rings with the Dallas Cowboys, was the keynote speaker Monday at the kickoff luncheon for the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl at the Fort Worth Omni Hotel.
The game between Air Force and California is at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Amon G. Carter Stadium.
Haley didn’t disappoint the packed house, either, talking about staying committed to goals, overcoming issues and the importance of teamwork. He also had some fun at the expense of former Dallas teammate Chad Hennings, who was on hand for the luncheon. Haley said that the back surgery he had was a result of carrying Hennings to three Super Bowls with the Cowboys.
He ended his speech by reminding the guests he was getting paid for the speech and that he’d be at the doors collecting on their way out.
Here’s what else Haley had to say after the event.
How much fun is it for you to get out and do speaking like this, something you may not have done in the past? I’ve always been in communities doing little things. I’m just not one to go boast about what I do. This [game] is important, not only for Cal but for the Air Force, too. I’ve never experienced a bowl game, but just the atmosphere and to be around football players, winners, guys that are going to be leaders in our country is a great environment.
How much have things changed for you since getting into the Pro Football Hall of Fame? It hasn’t. I’m still the same. Nothing has changed.
What do you think of the season the Cowboys have had, and does it surprise you? Yeah, it has. It has in many ways. I know they lost a couple of key players, but I never would have thought they would have been 4-11. They have too much talent for that. There’s not enough leaders on the team to help those guys understand they have to pick it up.
Is leadership the No. 1 thing they’re lacking? They have a lot of guys who think they’re leaders. If you can’t move your teammates to dream big, to squeeze a little bit more out of them, then no.
This story was originally published December 28, 2015 at 5:09 PM with the headline "Former Cowboys great Charles Haley talks teamwork, Hall of Fame."