A deep-rooted desire: Hali’s childhood in war-torn Liberia still drives him

[stevieray]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

I have mentioned a few times before that I was at the KO Luncheon before the 2009 season and sat at a table with Hali.

An interesting thing happened that I have not mentioned.

Before Hali got to our table a Chief's PR person or something of the sort came to our table and gave us some 50th Anniversary pins and asked us all not to talk to Hali about Africa, he doesn't like to talk about it and he would appreciate no questions on the subject. We all were dumbfounded considering that was the last thing any of us wanted to discuss.

Hali was pretty nervous at first but as we started talking football he relaxed. It's funny how you see guys off the field in that type situation and realize they are ust people and get nervous eating with strangers etc...Anyway..... He made comments that were very similar to the ones in this story.

He said Herm's teams did not game plan defense (what a shock) they were told just go out there and do what you do, and he said he was still struggling in coverage playing LB (this was 2009).

Very likable and humble guy. The year before we sat with Jackie Battle who also seemed to be a great guy from the short time I spent with him.

I can see him signing a very Chief's friendly contract (like JC), he seems like a guy who likes to stay where he is and the $ won't be a huge issue to him. Like I said, very humble.

pretty much spot on. I met him at the draft dinner, his first year, and all you heard about was the motor. hasn't changed.

but ya, he's a very humble guy.

Emerging team leader.