Mike Haynes

Mike Haynes is an American former professional football player who spent 14 seasons as a cornerback in the National Football League (NFL). He has played with the New England Patriots for 7 seasons and the Los Angeles Raiders for another 6 seasons.

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

Michael James Haynes was born on July 1, 1953, in Denison, Texas, United States, and raised in Los Angeles, California. The Cornerback stands 188 cm tall, and his playing weight was listed at 87 kg.

He attended John Marshall High School in Los Angeles. Following high school, he played college football for the Arizona State Sun Devils from 1971 to 1974. A phenomenal defensive star, he led the team in interceptions and excelled as a return man.

During his senior campaign, he earned First-team All-American honors and helped lead Arizona State to an undefeated season. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2000, and the university retired his number 40 jersey.

Professional Career

Haynes was selected by the New England Patriots in the first round (5th overall) of the 1976 NFL Draft. He had a spectacular debut season, recording eight interceptions and taking home the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Over seven seasons with the Patriots (1976–1982), he established himself as a premier defensive threat and an elite punt returner, recording 28 interceptions for the franchise before his number 40 jersey was officially retired by New England.

Midway through the 1983 season, Haynes was traded to the Los Angeles Raiders. Teaming up with Lester Hayes, he helped form what is widely considered one of the most formidable and intimidating cornerback duos in NFL history. Haynes provided the missing piece for the Raiders' defense, helping lead the team to a dominant victory in Super Bowl XVIII against the Washington Redskins, where he recorded a crucial interception.

Throughout his 14-year career, he was incredibly consistent, earning nine Pro Bowl nods and being selected to eight All-Pro teams (including two First-team selections). He finished his career with 46 interceptions and five total defensive and return touchdowns. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997 in his first year of eligibility.

Retirement

Haynes comes from an athletic family; his younger brother, Reggie Haynes, also played in the NFL as a tight end for the Washington Redskins.

After retiring from professional football, Haynes transitioned to the business and executive side of the sport. He served as the NFL Vice President of Player and Employee Development and spent time working as a global licensing manager for Callaway Golf.

A prostate cancer survivor, Haynes has also been a prominent and highly active advocate for cancer awareness, working closely with the NFL’s Crucial Catch initiative and the Urology Care Foundation to educate men on the importance of early detection and proactive screenings.

Career Highlights:

• 1984 – Super Bowl champion (XVIII)
• 1976 – NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
• 1984, 1985 – 2× First-team All-Pro
• 1976–1980, 1982 – 6× Second-team All-Pro
• 9× Pro Bowl selection
• NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
• NFL 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams
• 1997 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee