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Michael Haynes

American Football

Served as envoy

  • 2016  –  Russia

Beginning his career as a three-year All-WAC star at Arizona State, Michael Haynes was a first selection in the 1976 NFL Draft and went on to play 14 seasons as a cornerback and punt return specialist in the NFL. During his rookie year with the New England Patriots, he led the AFC with 608 yards on 45 punt returns, earning him his first of nine Pro Bowl invitations. In 1983, Haynes was traded to the Los Angeles Raiders, whom he stayed with for seven years before his retirement at the end of the 1989 season. Haynes was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on July 26, 1997. Since retiring, Haynes has become an advocate for increasing benefits for retired players, particularly those who retired prior to 1993.