Tamba Hali sounds like he’s leaning toward retirement in new interview
By Matt Conner
Tamba Hali mentioned that he’s leaning toward leaving the playing field behind but he wants to continue to work with the Chiefs in some teaching capacity.
The Kansas City Chiefs have already waved goodbye to one defensive legend this offseason, and they might make it two before training camp begins—depending on what Tamba Hali officially decides to do.
In a recent interview on SiriusXM radio, Hali mentioned there are moments that he’s interested in playing another NFL season from time to time, but for the most part, he sounds resigned to the fact that 12 years in the league is enough. Here’s the complete quote:
"I won’t lie. I mean, at times I want to play, at times I don’t want to play. My body… I’ll go out and maybe play basketball or do some ju jitsu and then I’ll feel my body, the way it feels. Right now I’m thinking I just need to continue to work out and do my music. I don’t want to focus too much on football. I don’t see myself getting back into football."
Hali does, however, want to continue to have some working relationship with the Kansas City Chiefs. Certainly he’s aware of the Chiefs Ambassadors, and he would likely be a welcome, new addition to that circle of former players, but instead Hali mentioned potentially working as a teacher in some respect.
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The Chiefs have already said goodbye to inside linebacker Derrick Johnson this offseason as they sought to get younger at the position. They signed Anthony Hitchens away from the Dallas Cowboys to be the new heart of the defense. Yet Andy Reid also mentioned that the team would love to see DJ come back at some point as a coach whenever he’s ready.
Johnson has since signed a contract with the Oakland Raiders, so it might be while before he’s back on the sidelines for the Chiefs, but Hali has no such playing future. While Johnson stated that he felt he had several seasons left, Hali sounds like a man who is finished. It’s unknown whether or not Reid would be up for Hali also being around as a teacher, but it sounds as if the longtime outside linebacker is fishing for some job leads.
Hali could be a good addition to the coaching staff, even on some temporary or interim basis. The team already has an outside linebackers coach in Mike Smith, but perhaps Hali could be another voice for a unit that has a lot of youth now in Breeland Speaks, Tanoh Kpassagnon and Ukeme Eligwe along with others.
For now, Hali is making music and spending quality time with his family. After 12 years with the Chiefs, he’s earned some rest and relaxation, especially after a career marked by 89.5 sacks.
"I have four kids. I want to be able to run around with them and challenge them in some sports they would play … I’m good. I gave it my best, my all, and that’s what came back and I have to accept it that way."