Ranking all the Minnesota Vikings in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
By Adam Carlson
11. Chris Doleman
- Position: Defensive end
- Years with Vikings: 1985–1993, 1999
- Years in the NFL: 1985–1999
- Other teams associated with: Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers
- Enshrinement year: 2012
A first-round draft pick of the Minnesota Vikings, the team wanted to use Chris Doleman as an outside linebacker in their 3-4 defense. However, after the team switched to a 4-3 front, he flourished in his new position as a defensive end.
At this moment, Doleman ranks second among all Vikings players in sacks with the franchise, racking up 96.5 during his time with Minnesota and trailing only fellow Pro Football Hall of Fame teammate John Randle, even leading the league in sacks in 1989.
Ending his career with 975 combined tackles, 150.5 total sacks, 24 fumble recoveries, and eight interceptions, this kind of career is one that has to be celebrated by every franchise he was part of.
He also racked up the honors during his NFL career, being an eight-time Pro Bowl player with five All-Pro nods and a spot on the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. And, of course, induction in the Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor.