The Hall of Fame Series: Chris Doleman

Nov 12, 1989; Tampa, FL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Chris Doleman (56) in action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Tampa Stadium. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Class of 2012
Minnesota 1985-93, 99
Atlanta 1994-95
San Francisco 1996-98

Chris Doleman

In the history of the NFL, few players have been as productive along the defensive line as Chris Doleman. The fourth overall selection in the 1985 draft, Doleman began his career as an outside linebacker. His production was modest in his first two seasons, recording only 1.5 sacks through 29 games. However, with three games left in the 1986 season, Minnesota moved Doleman to defensive end. He recorded two sacks in the final three games, igniting a Hall of Fame career.

The Hall Of Fame Series: Chris Doleman
Oct 6, 1985; Anaheim, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Los Angeles Rams running back Eric Dickerson (29) in action against Minnesota Vikings defenders Chris Doleman (56) and Joey Browner (47) at Anaheim Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Brouillet-USA TODAY NETWORK

Doleman racked up 11 sacks during the strike-shortened 1987 season, adding three more in the Vikings’ NFC Championship run. Standing 6-5 and weighing 289 pounds, Doleman used a unique blend of speed, power, and leverage to terrorize linemen. He led the league with six forced fumbles on his way to earning his first trip to the Pro Bowl and was recognized as second-team All-Pro.

Another Pro Bowl followed in 1988, but it was in 1989 when Doleman and the talented defensive line came together to produce one of the most ferocious pass rushes in league history. Doleman set a team record (since broken by Jared Allen) with 21.0 sacks, a mark still tied for fifth-most since sacks became an official stat in 1982. He also got help from his fellow linemen. Defensive tackle Keith Millard recorded 18.5 sacks from the inside, fellow defensive end Al Noga got to the quarterback for 11.5 sacks and defensive tackle Henry Thomas added nine sacks. The team’s 71 total sacks rank second in league history, seven more than even the 1985 Bears defense accumulated.

Oct 3, 1993; San Francisco, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Chris Doleman (56) battles San Francisco 49ers tackle Steve Wallace (74) at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

By the time Doleman left the Vikings following the 1993 season, he had been selected to six Pro Bowls, two first-team All-Pros, and was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1992. He continued his success with the Falcons during the 1994 and 1995 seasons, adding 16 sacks to his resume and earning another Pro Bowl selection in 1995.

After the 1995 season, Doleman joined the San Francisco 49ers. Doleman was solid in Atlanta, but he had a career resurgence in San Francisco. He recorded 38 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, and two interceptions in three seasons with the Niners. Somehow, he was only selected to one Pro Bowl during this time (following the 1997 season). Believing his career was over, Doleman announced his retirement following the 1998 season, even after tallying 15 sacks at age 37, the second-highest total of his career.

Jan 1, 1989; San Francisco, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Joe Montana (16) is chased by Minnesota Vikings defensive end Chris Doleman (56) during the 1988 NFC Divisional Playoff game at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Vikings 34-9. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports

In his mind, Doleman knew he would only come back to play for one other team. When the Vikings came calling in 1999, Doleman returned for one final ride. He posted a respectable eight sacks in 14 games, the third-highest mark on the team. He finally hung up his cleats for good following the season.

When it was all said and done, Doleman had recorded 150.5 sacks during his career, a mark that still ranks fifth all-time. He intercepted eight passes, returning two for touchdowns. However, the stat that stands out is that Doleman forced 44 fumbles in his career at a time when the strip sack wasn’t the science that it is today. His 44 forced fumbles were more than fellow Hall of Famers Bruce Smith (43), Reggie White (33), and Kevin Greene (23). For his efforts, Doleman was selected to the 1990s All-Decade Team.

It took a while for the Hall of Fame voting process to get it right and select Doleman, but he was finally inducted in 2012. He was the fourth Vikings defensive lineman inducted into the Hall of Fame, and he couldn’t have come at a better time for the Vikings. With Bud Grant retiring following the 1985 season, part of the Vikings’ identity had changed. But with Doleman finding his stride in 1987, he continued the tradition of spectacular defensive linemen that had donned the purple since the team’s early years.

Aug 4, 2012; Canton, OH, USA; Chris Doleman and his son Evan Doleman pose with his bust at the 2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Unfortunately, following a battle with brain cancer, Doleman passed away on January 28, 2020, at the age of 58. He underwent surgery in January 2018 to remove a tumor in the brain and battled glioblastoma for the next two years.

Doleman was a man of character, and he played the game for all the right reasons. “I played for God, family, and teams,” he said. “My teammates were very important to me, but I always knew that I wanted to honor God. I never wanted to embarrass my family by playing bad [or] doing something that would bring shame to them and my teammates. I owed that to them. I owed them the best performance that I could give them, week in [and] week out.”

Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.

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