Chris Doleman
Inducted:
2012
Player Stats
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
289 lb (131 kg)
Born:
October 16, 1961
Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Died:
January 28, 2020
Duluth, Georgia, U.S.
Position:
Defensive End
College:
Pittsburgh (1981–1984)
Chris Doleman was one of the most feared and productive pass rushers in NFL history. A versatile and explosive defensive end, Doleman played 15 seasons, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings, and recorded 150.5 career sacks — ranking among the top five all-time at the time of his retirement. He began his career as an outside linebacker before switching to defensive end, where his speed, hand technique, and relentless pursuit made him dominant off the edge.
His 1989 season was legendary: 21 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and an NFC-best defense. Doleman also played for the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers, earning 8 Pro Bowl selections and 3 First-Team All-Pro honors. Known for his consistency and leadership, he finished his career with 8 double-digit sack seasons. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, Doleman remains one of the most impactful edge rushers the NFL has ever seen.
Doleman's Awards and Honors
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1989, 1992)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1987, 1993)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1987–1990, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1985)
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
- 50 Greatest Vikings
- Second-team All-East (1983)
- Sugar Bowl champion (1981)
NFL Records
- NFL sacks leader (1989)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- Only player in NFL history with 20+ sacks in a season for the Minnesota Vikings
- One of just six players with 150+ career sacks
- Recorded at least 7 sacks in 11 of his 15 seasons
NFL Teams
Minnesota Vikings (1985–1993)
Atlanta Falcons (1994–1995)
San Francisco 49ers (1996–1998)
Minnesota Vikings (1999)
NFL Draft:
1985: 1st round, 4th pick
Minnesota Vikings
Number Worn:
56
NFL Stats
Seasons:
15 (1985–1999)
Games Played:
232
Total Sacks:
150.5
Total Tackles:
975
Forced Fumbles:
44
Fumble Recoveries:
24
Interceptions:
2
Touchdowns:
3
