Todd Haley on Tamba Hali: 'He's a warrior in every sense of the word'

Former Kansas City Chiefs head coach and current Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley recently spoke to the media about playing against his former team. Haley has spent much of his time downplaying what this game means to him personally, but some of the Steelers players have suggested a little more fire in the coach.

When asked about his former players in Kansas City, Haley had nothing but positive things to say. He mentioned how proud he was of everything the team accomplished during his tenure, including last season. Members of the media also asked Haley about current Chiefs Jamaal Charles and Jonathan Baldwin. Haley claimed that he had not watched many of the Chiefs games this season, but described both Charles and Baldwin as a "heck of a player."

Haley saved his most glowing praise for Tamba Hali. His offense will have to account for the Chiefs' best pass rusher, and Haley knows how difficult that challenge will be. Haley told reporters:

He is a warrior in every sense of the word. He's a guy that does not stop. You cannot get out-tempoed by him. He can beat you with speed, quickness and power...He's one of the elite outside backers in the league in my opinion and a player that you definitely have to pay attention to and handle as best you can or he can disrupt the game in a negative way fast.

Haley also believes that there is no real advantage going against his former team, since both are familiar with each other. The former head coach may know the Chiefs better than most teams, but the Kansas City defense should recognize Haley's offense as well.