Vikings DE Chris Doleman is Finalist for 2012 NFL Hall of Fame
Chris Doleman spent 10 of his 16 NFL seasons with Minnesota, and in 2012 he should go into the Hall of Fame as a Viking. Doleman is 4th on the all-time career sack list with 150.5, trailing only: Kevin Greene (160), Reggie White (198), and Bruce Smith (200). This is pretty impressive company.
Doleman was certainly well known back in his day, but his name really doesn’t resonate with a lot of modern day football fans. I certainly remember Doleman growing up, but at the time I didn’t put him in the category of the players mentioned above. But after reviewing the facts, there is absolutely no doubt that Chris Doleman belongs in Canton.
In 1985 Chris Doleman was the 1st round 4th pick of the Minnesota Vikings out of Pittsburgh. He spent the first 2 years of his career at linebacker and only compiled 3.5 sacks, but in 1987 he moved to Defensive End and his career took off. Over the next seven seasons he tallied 85 sacks with the Vikings. His career year came in 1989 when he rang up 21 sacks, which was the franchise record until this season.
Over the next 5 seasons he went from Atlanta to San Francisco and added another 54 sacks to his career total. His career away from Minnesota was good. In 1997 he went to the Pro Bowl as a 49er with an impressive 12 sacks, 39 tackles, and 3 forced fumbles. Not too bad for a 14 year veteran.
For his final season in 1999, Doleman returned home to Minnesota and had 41 tackles and 8 sacks. It’s always great when a guy comes home for his final season. It’s clear that Doleman sees himself as a Viking, and will go into the Hall as one. Vikings fans will hope to hear 2 names called for Canton this season, as Doleman’s teammate from 1990-1993 Cris Carter also hopes to hear his named called. Doleman made 8 Pro Bowls and was first team All-Pro twice in his career. He was a finalist one year ago, and I hope this year he finally gets in to take his rightful place among the best defensive players of all-time.
Thanks to pro-football-reference.com
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