Tamba Hali was born in 1983 in Gbarnga, Liberia. At the age of 10, he moved to the United States to escape the violence of the Liberian civil war. His father, Henry Hali, had already settled in the U.S., working as a chemistry professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University and also teaching at Teaneck High School in New Jersey.
Tamba Hali attended Teaneck High School, where he began playing high school football. Motivated by the dream of reuniting with his mother, Rachel Keita—whom he had not seen for over 12 years—Hali pursued a football career, hoping it would provide the financial means to bring her to the U.S.
In addition to football, Hali lettered in basketball during high school. Recognized for his athletic ability, he was named a high school All-American and was rated as a four-star recruit by Rivals.com. He was ranked as the No. 5 strong-side defensive end in the nation in 2002.
Hali earned an athletic scholarship to attend Pennsylvania State University, where he played under legendary head coach Joe Paterno for the Penn State Nittany Lions football team. He excelled during his senior year in 2005, earning unanimous All-American and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors.
That season, Hali played a significant role in leading Penn State to an 11–1 record, culminating in a Big Ten Championship and an Orange Bowl victory. He recorded 11 sacks—tied for eighth nationally—and 17 tackles for loss. His performance earned him national recognition and made him a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, awarded to the nation's top defensive player, as well as a contender for the Ted Hendricks Defensive End Award.
| Birth Date: | 3 Nov, 1983 |
| Age: | 36 yrs |
| Occupations: | American football player |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Monrovia |
| Education: | Pennsylvania State University |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American football player, defensive end, linebacker |
