Dick Haley's journey in professional football began as a player before transitioning into a long and influential career in team management and scouting. Born on October 2, 1937, in Midway, Pennsylvania, Haley attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he played college football as a defensive back. His skills on the field caught the attention of the National Football League, leading to his selection by the Washington Redskins in the ninth round of the 1959 NFL Draft.

Haley's playing career in the NFL spanned several teams. He started with the Washington Redskins but soon moved to the Minnesota Vikings. However, it was with the Pittsburgh Steelers that he found a more stable role, playing as a cornerback and safety. His tenure with the Steelers lasted from 1961 to 1964, during which he demonstrated his abilities in the defensive backfield. After his time with the Steelers, Haley played briefly for the Minnesota Vikings again and the New York Jets before retiring as a player.

Transitioning from the field to the front office, Haley's second act in football began with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he joined the team's scouting department. It was in this capacity that he truly excelled, helping to shape the Steelers into one of the most formidable teams of the 1970s. As the Director of Player Personnel, a role he held from 1971 to 1990, Haley was instrumental in assembling the roster that would go on to win four Super Bowl titles in six years.

Haley's keen eye for talent was evident in the draft selections he oversaw. He played a crucial role in bringing in players who would become cornerstones of the Steelers' dynasty, including Hall of Famers such as Terry Bradshaw, Joe Greene, Jack Ham, and Lynn Swann. His ability to identify and evaluate talent was a significant factor in the Steelers' dominance during this era.

After leaving the Steelers, Haley continued his career in the NFL with the New York Jets, where he served as Director of Player Personnel from 1991 to 2002. During his time with the Jets, he worked to improve the team's roster and contributed to their competitive performances in the league. His tenure with the Jets further solidified his reputation as one of the most respected talent evaluators in professional football.

Throughout his career, Dick Haley was known for his strategic thinking and deep understanding of the game. His work behind the scenes was crucial in building teams that could compete at the highest levels of the NFL. Haley's legacy in football is marked by his ability to recognize and nurture talent, helping to shape the futures of the teams he worked with and the players he scouted.

Haley's career in football, both on the field and in the front office, spanned over four decades, leaving a lasting influence on the teams he was part of.

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