CANTON, Ohio — Former 49ers defensive end Charles Haley was thankful Saturday during his enshrinement at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Haley talked about family, teammates, friends and, of course, football. He also told of being diagnosed with manic depression in the late 1980s.
It was his recollection of his depression that captured the crowd’s undivided attention.
“My life spiraled out of control for years,” said Haley, who was presented by former San Francisco owner Eddie DeBartolo. “But today I get to go back into the locker room to my teammates and tell them about the mistakes that I made. The only way you can grow is to ask for help.