In memory of the sports figures we lost in 2023

Former NFL player and scout Dick Haley died on Friday. He was 85.

“We lost a great football mind and a better man with the death of Dick Haley.” said Steelers President Art Rooney II. “He’s been a valuable part of this franchise for 23 years, the first 4 of those as a player and the last 19 as a member of player human resources.

“Dick played a pivotal role in our unprecedented success in the 1970s during the latter part of his career,” added Rooney. “He developed a unique eye for talent and ultimately helped identify and design many of the players that enabled us to win four Super Bowls that decade. My condolences go out to the entire Haley family at this difficult time.”

Haley was drafted in the ninth round of the 1959 NFL Draft. He played cornerback for Washington, Minnesota and Pittsburgh. Haley recorded 14 interceptions and scored two TDs.

During his tenure as Steelers director of player personnel – from 1971 to 1990 – Pittsburgh won four Super Bowls (IX, X, XIII and XIV). Haley is in the franchise’s Hall of Fame.

His son Todd was a longtime NFL coach.