Charles was a starter for the James Madison Dukes during his entire college career (1982-1985). He was a two-time All-American and finished his career as the school's leading tackler with 506 stops.
Haley has the distinction of being the first player in NFL history to have been on five Super Bowl-winning teams. Playing for the San Francisco 49ers from 1986–1991, he won a ring from Super Bowl XXIII and XXIV following the 1988 and 1989 seasons, respectively. Haley was traded to the Dallas Cowboys in the 1992 off-season, with whom he won three more Super Bowl rings over the next four seasons in 1992 (Super Bowl XXVII), 1993 (XXVIII), and 1995 (XXX).
Although injuries would eventually force his retirement in 1996, Haley briefly resurfaced for the 1998 playoffs to aid the 49ers, and played for them in 1999. Finally out of playing football permanently, Haley turned to assistant coaching, and was a defensive assistant for the Detroit Lions.
In his 12 NFL seasons, Haley recorded 100.5 quarterback sacks, two interceptions, and eight fumble recoveries, which he returned for nine yards and a touchdown. He was also selected to play in five Pro Bowls (1988, 1990, 1991, 1994, 1995) and was named NFL All-Pro in 1990 and 1994.
He was inducted into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame in 2006 and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011. On November 11, 2011, Haley was enshrined into the prestigious Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor.
