Tamba Hali signs one-day contract to retire with Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs have announced that Tamba Hali has signed a one-day contract to officially retire as a member of the organization.

A former first-round draft pick out of Penn State by the Chiefs in 2006, Hali spent 12 seasons terrorizing quarterbacks for Kansas City. From 2010-2015, Hali made six consecutive Pro Bowl appearances, never dipping below six sacks during that time period and never fewer than 11 QB hits.

He’d finish his illustrious Chiefs career in 2018, recording 177 games played with 157 starts. He amassed 596 total tackles, 105 tackles for loss, 89.5 career sacks, 159 QB hits, 33 forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries, two interceptions and 16 passes defended.

Hali was known for his mastery of hand-fighting techniques, actively training in martial arts in order to help him get to the quarterback and the football. Hali still holds the Chiefs’ franchise record for most forced fumbles in a rookie season with five. His 89.5 career sacks and 33 career forced fumbles rank No. 2 respectively in franchise history to only Derrick Thomas.

This ceremonial retirement is long overdue. Hali hasn’t played a snap in the NFL since December of 2017. He only ever played for Kansas City and was always a Chief to the fullest through and through. He returned to Arrowhead Stadium in 2019 as the drum leader against the Texans in the AFC divisional round of the playoffs.

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