Longtime defensive end spent 3 years with 49ers
Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Chris Doleman, who spent three of his 15 NFL seasons with the 49ers, has died. He was 58.
The Minnesota Vikings and the Pro Football Hall of Fame expressed their condolences in separate statements confirming Doleman’s death Tuesday night. Doleman had surgery two years ago to remove a brain tumor after being diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive type of cancer that killed U.S. Sen. John McCain of Arizona in 2018.
Doleman had 38 of his 150½ career sacks during his time (199698) with the 49ers. The 150½ sacks put him fifth in NFL history.
Doleman, an Indianapolis native who played in college at Pittsburgh before being drafted by the Vikings with the fourth overall pick in 1985, was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.
He converted from linebacker to defensive end and spent his first nine seasons with the Vikings, collecting a leaguehigh 21 sacks in 1989. Listed at 6foot5, 289 pounds, Doleman played two seasons (199495) for Atlanta and then those three seasons with the 49ers before returning to Minnesota to finish his career in 1999.
“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,” the Vikings said in a statement. “Chris always carried himself with dignity and class. Vikings fans worldwide will greatly miss him.”
Kansas City linebacker/ defensive end Terrell Suggs, who ranks eight in career sacks with 139, told reporters at the Super Bowl on Wednesday that Doleman inspired him to wear No. 56 in youth football.
“He was one of the main reason I played defensive end,” Suggs said