Chris Doleman – DE
Chris Doleman was a legendary performer from the Minnesota Vikings. The player made a significant difference on the edge. And he was a nightmare to block on almost every down.
Doleman was taken No. 4 overall by the Vikings in 1985. And it’s safe to say that he justified such a lofty draft selection. The defensive end had no trouble getting into the backfield at will. And he became of the NFL’s most feared pass-rushers in no time at all.
His 1989 season was a further step forward into the elite category. Doleman was a ruthless force on his way to 21 sacks, 94 tackles, and five forced fumbles. The player notched double-digit sack totals in eight of his 15 seasons as a professional. And this is a strong indication of just how consistent and durable he was in a violent position.
Although he did move away from the Vikings during spells with the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers, it was only right that Doleman returned to Minnesota for a second spell. This only lasted one season. And the two-time All-Pro was right to call it a day despite securing a creditable eight sacks in 1999.
Doleman’s exceptional career resulted in a deserved induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which was the crowning glory for a player who can look back at his career with no regrets whatsoever.