Watch Charles Haley Do JMU Proud With His Pro Football Hall of Fame Induction Speech

Charles Haley became the first former JMU football player to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. The five time Pro-Bowler and owner of a record 5 Super Bowl rings did his school proud.

Haley was a terror on the field and for years was well known for his antics off it. It turned out however, that those antics came as a result of Haley’s battle with mental illness. It’s a topic he addressed head on during his speech. He explained:

My life spiraled out of control for years, for years, but today, guys, I am getting back into the locker room, to my teammates, and tell them guys the mistakes that I’ve made, and that the only way that you can grow is that you’ve got to ask for help.

I walked into the league a 22-year-old man with a 16-year-old inside of me screaming for help, and I would not ask for it. I would not ask for that help.  But today, guys, I take my medicine every day, and I try to inspire others to do the same, and that’s because I finally listened and thank you.

Of course the speech wasn’t entirely about Haley’s mental health, but it was nice to see him speak so openly and honestly about something so personal. He also shared many stories and threw in a pretty good Jerry Jones impression for good measure. The speech drew rave reviews overall. It was a great moment for Haley and for the JMU Football program.