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Two of the best cornerbacks in ASU history were named Mike. Two weeks ago, we profiled Mike Richardson, a member of the 1985 Super Bowl champion Chicago Bears. Now, we look back at Mike Haynes, a prolific ballhawk that is a member of both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
Haynes played for the Sun Devils from 1972 to 1975, coming into his own during a junior season that saw him collect 11 interceptions. He was all-conference three times, also earning a spot as a First Team All-America in 1975. During his career at ASU, the Sun Devils were 40-8, culminating in a 1975 season that saw Arizona State finish 12-0 and second in the overall polls.
By the end of his tenure, Haynes had 17 interceptions in maroon and gold. Here's what Frank Kush said about his talented corner: "We just assign him to cover the opposition's best receiver and never give him any help and the rest of our guys just go about their business. He's luxury."
Even though Haynes had a great college career, his professional performance in the NFL took it to the next level. As a rookie with the New England Patriots, Haynes picked off eight passes and was the Pats' main punt returner, bringing the ball back 608 yards. Over the course of his 14 year career, Haynes picked off 46 passes and returned 112 punts. He hit paydirt four times, twice on interceptions and twice on punt returns.
Haynes also earned nine Pro Bowl invites, while being selected to the All-Pro team four times. He intercepted a pass in Super Bowl XVIII, helping the Oakland Raiders defeat the Washington Redskins 38-9. Haynes is also a member of the Patriots Hall of Fame.
In 1997, he earned the highest honor: induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. A few years later, he was selected to be a member of the College Football Hall of Fame in South Bend, Indiana.
In recent years, Haynes became an advocate for prostate cancer research and prevention after finding out he had prostate cancer in 2008.
Here's a video of Haynes and Ronnie Lott discussing prostate cancer awareness. We're happy that Haynes has made a full recovery and continues to fight for men across the country with this awful affliction.
See the previous entries on House of Sparky's 100 day countdown here