Chris Doleman dies at age 58 after battle with brain cancer

NFL fans woke up Wednesday to the horrible news that Hall of Famer Chris Doleman passed away on Tuesday night.

Doleman had been battling brain cancer for the last two years. He underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor in Jan. 2018. Doleman had been fighting gliobastoma since.

Doleman played 15 seasons in the league, 10 with the Minnesota Vikings.

He was named to two All-Pro Teams and eight Pro Bowl teams. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012. Doleman is also a member of the Vikings Ring of Honor.

Doleman was one of the best pass rushing defensive ends the NFL has ever seen. He finished his career with 150.5 sacks, a mark that ranks fifth in NFL history. He had double-digits sacks eight times throughout his career including a league-leading 21 sacks in 1989 with the Vikings.

“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 team said in a statement. “Chris always carried himself with dignity and class. Vikings fans worldwide will greatly miss him.”