Samuel LaWayne Haddix
Samuel LaWayne Haddix is the youngest of six children born to Samuel and Emma Haddix of Middleton, TN. Wayne attended Middleton High School where he lettered in football, baseball, and basketball. He graduated from MHS in 1983. While Wayne loved baseball and basketball more, he became a stand-out football player and decided to accept a football scholarship after graduation.
Wayne attended Liberty College in Lynchburg, VA and graduated from Liberty University in 1987. He was not drafted by the NFL but considered this a blessing because he was able to choose the team he wanted to play with. He began his professional football career as a walk on with the New York Giants. He played defensive back with the Giants from 1987-1989. He later played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1990-1991.
Wayne was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1990 when he recorded all seven of his career interceptions (leading the year in interceptions) in Tampa. He was among the most dominant defensive players in the game while at Tampa Bay. His 75 max speed and 75 interception skill combination was unmatched and approached only by David Fulcher and Rod Woodson.
He gained notoriety in the early 1990s through his inclusion in the Nintendo home video game “Tecmo Super Bowl”. He was the go-to defensive player and was labeled the interception king and the star player in the game 1990 version. Wayne ended his NFL career with the Cincinnati Bengals in 1991.
After football, Wayne became a financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial. He is now the owner of MERJE Construction Company where he specializes in building and renovations of residential and commercial real estate.
Wayne credits all of his success to God. He is quoted as saying, “It’s great to be able to play on the highest level of football because people are interested in this, but the opportunity to share my faith with people every day is an even greater joy for me.”
Wayne currently resides in Germantown, TN and is married to Dr. Camillia Haddix. They have five children and two grandchildren.
Samuel LaWayne Haddix, a true hometown hero.