Mike Haynes

Mike Haynes is a former National Football League player who played as a Cornerback for the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Raiders. He was born on July 1, 1953, in New Haven, Connecticut, and grew up in a family of athletes, with his father playing for the New York Giants and his brother playing for the Denver Broncos. Haynes' early life was influenced by his family's involvement in sports, particularly American football, which was played by his father at Yale University and his brother at University of Southern California. He was also inspired by famous players like Joe Greene and Jack Lambert of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

● Early Life and Education

Mike Haynes attended John C. Fremont High School in Los Angeles, California, where he played American football and was coached by Pete Carroll's father. He then received a scholarship to play for Arizona State University, where he was teammates with Danny White and John Jefferson. During his time at Arizona State University, Haynes was influenced by coaches like Frank Kush and John Cooper, and he played against teams like the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles. He also studied Kinesiology and was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, which has notable members like Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall, and Jesse Jackson.

● Career

Haynes was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 1976 NFL Draft, where he played alongside players like Steve Grogan and John Hannah. He quickly became known for his speed and agility, earning him the nickname "The Great Wall of Haynes." Haynes played for the New England Patriots from 1976 to 1982, during which time he was coached by Chuck Fairbanks and Ron Erhardt. He was then traded to the Los Angeles Raiders in 1983, where he played with players like Howie Long and Marcus Allen. Haynes was a key player in the Los Angeles Raiders' Super Bowl XVIII championship team, which defeated the Washington Redskins 38-9. He was also influenced by coaches like Tom Flores and Al Davis, and he played against teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys.

● Awards and Legacy

Throughout his career, Haynes received numerous awards and accolades, including nine Pro Bowl selections and six First-team All-Pro nominations. He was also named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1984 and was a member of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. Haynes was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997, alongside players like Mike Singletary and Paul Warfield. He has also been recognized by the New England Patriots as one of the greatest players in franchise history, and his jersey number 40 has been retired by the team. Haynes has also been involved in various charitable organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and the United Way, which have been supported by players like Jim Brown and Joe Montana.

● Personal Life

After retiring from football, Haynes went on to become a successful businessman and entrepreneur, with investments in companies like Nike and Under Armour. He has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including working with the American Cancer Society and the National Football League Players Association. Haynes has been married to his wife, Robin Haynes, since 1982, and they have two children together. He has also been involved in various football-related activities, including coaching and mentoring young players, and has worked with organizations like the NFL Players Association and the College Football Hall of Fame. Haynes has also been recognized for his contributions to the sport, including being named one of the greatest Cornerbacks in NFL history by ESPN and Sports Illustrated.