Tamba Hali

Next time you feel like complaining, stop and think about everything linebacker Tamba Hali has gone through. Hali was born in Gbarnga, Liberia, and fled to the United States when he was only ten to escape the civil war conflict. Separated from his mom, Tamba had dreams of becoming a professional football player for the sole reason of earning enough money to see her again.

Things didn’t get easier once he got to the States. He grew up in a house without water and electricity. After receiving an athletic scholarship to Penn State, Hali joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 2006. Hali was finally reunited with his mom after not seeing her for twelve years. She got to see him play in Kansas City for the first time ever in 2006.