MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Chris Doleman was a linebacker when he came to the NFL with the Minnesota Vikings in 1985.
He left the league as a defensive end, one of the best to ever play the position after 15 prolific seasons racing past offensive tackles and rattling opposing quarterbacks.
Doleman will enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame next weekend with 15012 sacks, the fourth most in NFL history. He came to the Vikings as the fourth overall pick in the draft out of Pittsburgh, but quickly realized his skill set made more sense up front. The switch sure worked out for him and the Vikings.
Paul Wiggin, his first defensive line coach, called Doleman’s ability to speed his way to the quarterback as efficient and technically sound as he’s seen in the sport.
