Hall of Fame Vikings defensive end Chris Doleman dead at 58
Pro Football Hall of Fame member and former Vikings defensive end Chris Doleman died late Tuesday night after battling brain cancer. He was 58.
Doleman had surgery to remove a brain tumor in 2018.
The Vikings announced Doleman's passing with a statement on Twitter early Wednesday.
We express our deepest sympathies to Chris Doleman’s family and friends upon his passing. pic.twitter.com/4smc4gn5PY
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 29, 2020
"The Minnesota Vikings express our deepest sympathies to Chris Doleman's family and friends upon his passing," the statement said.
"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."
Former Vikings punter and Doleman's teammate Greg Coleman posted condolences on Twitter:
Will always remember one the last times we were together w ?@Vikings? @ProFootballHOF? ?@ChrisDoleman56? back in September. Dole passed late Tuesday night. Please keep his family in your prayers. Rest well Big Fella, you fought the good fight of Faith My Brother pic.twitter.com/TiWtjjtfqq
— Greg Coleman (@gregcoleman8) January 29, 2020
The Vikings drafted Doleman in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft. He played for the VIkings from 1985 to 1993, and again in 1999 to close out his career
In this Dec. 15, 2013, file photo, former Minnesota Viking Chris Doleman acknowledges the crowd during a ceremony honoring the All Mall of America Field team during halftime of an NFL football game between the Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles in Minneapolis. Hall of Fame defensive end Doleman, who became one of the NFL's most feared pass rushers during 15 seasons in the league, has died. He was 58. The Vikings and Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker offered their condolences in separate statements late Tuesday night, Jan. 29, 2020. [(AP Photo/Andy King, File)]
The Vikings traded Doleman to Atlanta in 1994. He played two seasons in Atlanta then three with San Francisco before returning to the Vikings for his final season.
Doleman's teams made the playoffs in ten of his 15 seasons.
Doleman's 150.5 career sacks and eight interceptions earned him eight Pro Bowl appearances, two first team All-Pro nods (1989, 1992) and enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012..
"The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Chris Doleman after a prolonged and courageous battle against cancer," said David Baker, Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO. "I had the honor of getting to know him not only as a great football player but an outstanding human being."
"The legacy of Chris Doleman will live forever in Canton, Ohio, for generations to learn from how he lived a life of courage and character."