Viktor
Well-known member
- Mar 19, 2019
- 2,552
- 0
The Vikings organization — from its ownership to coaches, legends, current players, staff members and fans — is grieving the loss of Chris Doleman, who passed away Tuesday after a courageous battle with brain cancer that lasted more than two years after its diagnosis.
Doleman faced his unfair fight with remarkable grace and grit. He was 58.
The team and its ownership released the following statement:
The Minnesota Vikings express our deepest sympathies to Chris Doleman's family and friends upon his passing. Chris was a great example for players past and present, as he embodied all the best characteristics of a Viking — resilience, toughness and a competitive spirit. Chris always carried himself with dignity and class. Vikings fans worldwide will greatly miss him.
— The Minnesota Vikings and the Wilf family
The No. 4 overall pick in the 1985 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh, Doleman transitioned from linebacker to defensive end in his second pro season.
A prolific career followed, with Doleman blending on-field intensity and a robust personality every step of the way. He inspired teammates to do their best and commanded respect from foes who tried to slow him down.
He was usually more successful in his endeavors than opponents were in theirs, as evidenced by his 150.5 career sacks that rank fifth in NFL history.
Doleman's total includes a whopping 21 in 1989 when he led the NFL and helped Minnesota set a franchise record with 71 team sacks.
The 21 sacks in one season are tied with fellow Hall of Famer Reggie White's output in 1987 for the fifth-most by a player in a single campaign and 1.5 shy of the record of 22.5 set by Michael Strahan in 2001.