A Kansas City Chiefs legend was immortalized in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday at their annual football luncheon.
Former Chiefs outside linebacker Tamba Hali was one of five athletes, coaches or contributors named to the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s latest class of inductees. He joined Mizzou running back Devin West, Central Missouri quarterback Scott Loveland, Salem High School coach Bill Schuchardt, and Lebanon radio broadcaster Kevin Stubblefield as the latest group of inductees.
Hali, who had his ceremonial retirement in Kansas City in May of 2021, is now one of 50 Chiefs players, coaches and contributors to have been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. He joins great pass-rushers like Neil Smith, Derrick Thomas and Art Still.
We are very thankful FOR BEING INDUCTED INTO the MISSOURI SPORTS HALL OF FAME. TO YESHUAH HAMASHIACH BE THE GLORY. pic.twitter.com/07DEhqBQDq
— Tamba Hali (@TambaHali91) October 13, 2021
Here is what the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame had to say about Hali in their press release:
“Hali was among the best pass rushers in Kansas City Chiefs history, doing so years after escaping the war-torn West African country of Liberia at age 10 and making a new home in the United States. A first-round draft pick in 2006 out of Penn State University, he spent his entire National Football League career with the Chiefs, covering 12 seasons (2006-2017) and helping the team to six playoff berths. He is second only to the legendary Derrick Thomas (126.5) in career sacks (89.5) and ahead of Neil Smith’s 85.5 and Justin Houston’s 78.5. Thomas (MSHOF 2021) and Smith (MSHOF 2008) have been inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. A six-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time All-Pro, Hali also forced 33 fumbles, second only to Thomas’ 45 and four more than Smith’s 29. Additionally, Hali started at least 15 games every season from 2006 to 2014 and started 14 in 2015. At Penn State, Hali was a consensus NCAA All-American in 2005 and was part of the Orange Bowl team that beat Florida State 26-23 in three overtimes. In 2006, he earned his U.S. citizenship.”
Hali’s contributions to the Chiefs’ franchise will forever be recognized in the state of Missouri. A well-deserved honor for a player who gave his all during his time in Kansas City.
