Chris Doleman, a Hall of Fame defensive end who played three of his 15 seasons with the 49ers, died Tuesday night at 58, the Minnesota Vikings announced.
He had been battling brain cancer.
“The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Chris Doleman after a prolonged and courageous battle against cancer,” said David Baker, president and CEO of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “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.”
Doleman began his NFL career in 1985 with the Minnesota Vikings. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in six of his first nine seasons. Twice he was named First-Team All Pro. He was at his fearsome best in 1989 when he compiled 21 sacks — tied for the second-best single season total at the time. He had 150.5 career sacks, fifth on the all-time list.
After two seasons with the Falcons, Doleman was signed by the 49ers for whom he collected 38 sacks, 11 forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries from 1996-98. Doleman returned to Minnesota in 1999 for the final season of his playing career. He was voted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.
“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 had surgery to remove a brain tumor in 2018, and fought glioblastoma.
“When I was a little kid, I never thought in my wildest dreams I would ever be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Doleman told NFL Network in 2018. “I also never thought that I’d have brain cancer either.”
Kansas City Chiefs pass rusher, a Minnesota Vikings fan growing up, was quoted Wednesday morning in disbelief that one of his idols was gone.
Terrell Suggs when told Chris Doleman died last night: pic.twitter.com/dsUk5NuGXs
— Kevin Patra (@kpatra) January 29, 2020
Several other NFL players, executives and journalists paid their respects to Coleman via Twitter:
My goodness the hits keep coming. So sad to hear of the passing of HOFer Chris Doleman. Was with him right after his diagnosis of brain cancer & he fought it as hard as he did any opponent. RIP….
— Andrea Kremer (@Andrea_Kremer) January 29, 2020
Tough week…. Lost another great in Chris Doleman. He was there for me and my family when my dad was going through his tough times. I appreciate his love and the way he helped. Just unreal….. I’ll never question HIS plan. Just know we will all miss you Chris.
— Cam Heyward (@CamHeyward) January 29, 2020
Kobe Sunday and last night my guy Chris Doleman (we got baptized in the Jordan River together 3 years ago) . Condolences to his family. Another great man gone. Today will be tough.
pic.twitter.com/Q9LL7bIbXz
— Cris Carter (@criscarter80) January 29, 2020
You had a long battle, you fought the good fight. Now rest easy, my friend. #ChrisDoleman pic.twitter.com/kgoaoOafN3
— Gil Brandt (@Gil_Brandt) January 29, 2020