About Darryl
Darryl Haley, formerly of the New England Patriots and Ironman Triathlete
Now owner and operator of The Darryl Haley Bed and Breakfast, where romance, fun and fitness are the main activities.
Darryl Haley is a former New England Patriot and Ironman Triathlete. Following his football career, this Compton, California native moved to the Washington, DC metro area and launched successful businesses as a Corporate Fitness Trainer, Technology Marketing Specialist, and Strategic Business Development Consultant. Darryl combines his interests and skills using his B.S. degree in Human Kinetics, from the University of Utah, with his Computer Science degree from George Washington University.
He remained active athletically, and became the biggest athlete ever to compete and complete the Gatorade Hawaii Ironman Triathlon. In 1995, the 6’6″, 325-pound former NFL offensive lineman finished the renowned endurance event in just under the 17-hour cut-off time. Just finishing a race that includes a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike and 26.2-mile marathon is considered a victory! By finishing the Ironman, Darryl eliminated barriers for larger individuals and their ability to participate in major endurance sports. After much publicity regarding his participation as the first mainstream professional athlete to compete in the Hawaii Ironman, Darryl feels that competing in the Ironman was a turning point in his life.
In celebration of the Ironman Triathlon’s 20th anniversary, Darryl competed in twelve triathlon races around the world. He has used these events and the media as a platform to link-up and improve international relations among athletes, encourage youth involvement, and encourage spectator support.
In 2001, Darryl and his wife, Judy, moved to Luray, Virginia, and opened the Darryl Haley Bed & Breakfast. In addition to the B&B, Darryl continues to encourage healthy lifestyles and athletic endeavors with his work with the National Park Service. Darryl has become their “Ambassador,” traveling across the country to National Parks and Monuments to hold events that bring people together.
More recently, Darryl and his wife started a nonprofit, Music at the Monument, which holds concerts in our National Parks and Monuments to perform outreach to local communities and honor Veterans. The current concert series is held at the plaza in front of the Lincoln Memorial. For the past 7 seasons, he has worked with the Veterans’ Administration Medical Center to feature Veterans that are performers as well as to provide a positive uplifting experience. The concert series brings an opportunity to improve access for priority populations who use infrequently our National Parks and Monuments, but more importantly, it makes that vital connection between our military and civilian populations.
Over the past 15 years, Darryl has been working with the Military Medical Musical, a symphony orchestra and chorus that raises funds for military Hospitals. In November, the Medical Musical gave him the opportunity to narrate the performance on stage at the Grand Ole Opry!
Darryl and Judy continue their philanthropic efforts on multiple fronts. One effort is through baking pound cakes and cookies and making bonbons. The proceeds from the sale of these items supports various causes, primarily to support Women Veterans and Wives of Veterans as well as local community programs.
In addition, he continues his efforts in local schools, speaking to youth and implementing programs to support young people. Their most recent effort, started in all Page County Elementary Schools, encourages community outreach and provides $100 education savings bond to participants that complete the outreach activities.
One thread that continues throughout Darryl’s life is the belief that, no matter where you are born, no matter what obstacles you might face, you can overcome them with hard work and a positive outlook. He left Compton to attend the University of Utah at 15 years old, graduating early from high school to start college. He believes that education is the key to reaching your goals and being your best self!
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