The NFL on Tuesday announced Hall of Fame defensive lineman Chris Doleman died at 58-years old after a battle with cancer.
He initially had a brain tumor removed in January of 2018, and continued fighting glioblastoma, a form of brain cancer after that initial surgery.
Pro Football Hall of Fame president and CEO David Baker released a statement:
“The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Chris Doleman after a prolonged and courageous battle against cancer. I had the honor of getting to know him not only as a great football player but an outstanding human being. One of the honors of my life was witnessing Chris get baptized in the Jordan River during a Hall of Fame trip to Israel.
“The legacy of Chris Doleman will live forever in Canton, Ohio, for generations to learn from how he lived a life of courage and character.”
The Minnesota Vikings, the team that drafted Doleman out of Pittsburgh with the No. 4 overall pick in 1985, also released a statement after his death:
“The Minnesota Vikings express our deepest sympathies to Chris Doleman’s family and friends upon his passing,” the team said in a statement. “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. Chris always carried himself with dignity and class. Vikings fans worldwide will greatly miss him.”
Doleman quickly made an impact in his first two years with the Vikings, and started 22 of his
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