MN Viking’s DE Chris Doleman Loses His Biggest Battle At 58

Growing up, we all had people we considered role models.  One of mine was Minnesota Viking's DE Chris Doleman.  He was an absolute beast on the football field and one of the best to have ever played the game.  I was fortunate enough to know Chris when he wasn't between the lines.  His on field accomplishments are what put him in the Hall Of Fame, but who he was off the field is what made him a role model.  You would never find someone more willing to give back to their community and take the time to mentor youth.  I will always remember Chris as a big guy with a bigger heart and someone that football and the lives he impacted will always miss.

Minnesota Viking's Hall of Fame defensive end Chris Doleman died Tuesday night after a battle with cancer, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced in a statement. He was 58.  "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, the Hall of Fame's president and CEO. "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."

Doleman played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1985 to 1993 and ended his career with the club in 1999.  In 2018, he had surgery to remove a brain tumor.  CLICK HERE to read the full ESPN story.