An orchestrator of one of the biggest upsets in Penn State history has hung up his cleats.
Former Lions defensive back Grant Haley announced his retirement from football Monday evening with a heartfelt Instagram post. Haley went on to play five seasons in the NFL, bouncing around practice squads with the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Rams.
He was a part of the Rams’ Super Bowl winning team in the 2021 season and made 94 tackles with an interception throughout his NFL career. Haley appeared in 35 games with 13 starts.
However, Haley is easily best known for one of the most iconic plays in Penn State history: a touchdown return after safety Marcus Allen blocked a fourth-quarter kick against Ohio State in 2016. It was perhaps the single most impactful play in a season Penn State went on to win the Big Ten Championship, the only one of coach James Franklin’s 10-year career to this point.
Former Penn State CB Grant Haley has retired from professional football.
He helped the Rams win a Super Bowl, an also is responsible for two of the most iconic plays in Penn State history. pic.twitter.com/MQgghSkbwu
— Joe Smeltzer (@joesmeltzer775) August 5, 2024
In his Nittany Lion career, Haley was a regular from the jump. He played in 13 games as a freshman and 49 total, making 139 tackles throughout. He also had five career interceptions, one of which went for a touchdown, as one of the most important members of Penn State’s secondary.
Haley earned All-Big Ten honorable mentions nominations twice in his college career.
