Haley named FCS ambassador

INDIANAPOLIS – Charles Haley, a former James Madison student-athlete and the only NFL player to win five Super Bowls, was named as the FCS Ambassador for the 2012 championship game.

Haley is the third ambassador of the football championship, following Wayne Chrebet (Hofstra) in 2009 and Everson Walls (Grambling State) in 2010.

Haley is the only five-time Super Bowl winner.

AP Images

“Charles Haley’s successful collegiate and professional career provides a quintessential model of academic and athletic success,” NCAA director for Division I football and baseball Damani Leech said. “Each year we have looked for an individual who embodies the character of the FCS and can be used as a success story for the FCS student-athletes. We are thrilled that Charles will continue this tradition.”

As ambassador, Haley will lend his support to the championship game in a number of ways, including pregame interaction with fans, serving as an instructor at a youth clinic, performing the pregame coin toss and participating in the postgame awards ceremony.

“I’m honored to serve as FCS Ambassador for the 2012 FCS Championship Game,” Haley said. “Greatness is not born, it’s made. The FCS has been turning out great players for years and I look forward to watching these outstanding student-athletes compete at the highest level.” 

A 2011 inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame, Haley received his bachelor of science degree in social science from James Madison in 1988.

A four-year starter under head coach Challace McMillin, Haley became the first Duke selected as a first-team All-American in 1985, and was also the school’s first NFL draftee. Haley, whose jersey number 87 was retired by the school, finished his JMU career with a school record 506 tackles, three interceptions and 17 sacks.

In his 12 NFL seasons, Haley recorded 100.5 sacks, two interceptions and eight fumble recoveries, including one for a touchdown. He was selected to play in five Pro Bowls (1988, 1990, 1991, 1994 and 1995) and was named NFL All-Pro in 1990 and 1994. He will also be inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in November.

The 2012 FCS Championship Game will be played on Saturday, Jan. 7, at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.