Chris Doleman 🌹

Chris Doleman, a Pro Football Hall of Famer who played 10 seasons for the Minnesota Vikings, died Tuesday in Atlanta after a two-year bout with brain cancer. The 58-year-old had surgery to remove a tumor in 2018 and tweeted on Saturday: “Today is my 2-year anniversary of being a brain cancer survivor! Huge!”

Doleman played 15 seasons. The first nine and the final one were with the Vikings. He played for Atlanta in 1994-95, the 49ers in 1996-98. Years 13-14 came in San Francisco, where he posted 27 sacks at ages 36 and 37. He was the NFC defensive player of the year in 1992 and led the NFL in sacks six times, including a near-record 21 in 1989.

The 49ers, who face the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIV on Sunday, also remember Doleman as a guy who wrecked their 1987 season and was the impetus for Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh becoming the first coach to pay left tackles as a premium position.

Another former teammate, Cris Carter, tweeted: “Kobe Sunday and last night my guy Chris Doleman. Condolences to his family. Another great man gone. Today will be tough.”

Rest in peace, Mr Doleman.