Former Viking defensive end Chris Doleman dies

Former Vikings defensive end Chris Doleman has died after suffering from brain cancer, the team confirmed early Wednesday morning.

Doleman, 58, underwent surgery to remove a brain tumor in 2018.

The Hall of Famer played 15 years in the NFL, including 10 with the Vikings from 1985-1993 and 1999. He also played for the Falcons in 1994-95 and the 49ers from 1996-1998.

A three-time first team All-Pro and two-time second team All-Pro, he was also named to the Pro Bowl eight times and was named to the NFL's 1990 All-Decade team.

Doleman led the NFL in sacks in 1989 with 21 and finished with 150.5 for his career, fifth-all time.

Drafted fourth overall in 1985 out of Pitt, he was inducted 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"

And the players sidelined the most in a league devoted more and more to speed: the fastest guys on the field, wide receivers.

While much of the recent focus has been on protecting high-priced quarterbacks and limiting head injuries — concussions were up slightly over last year — keeping wideouts and the defenders who try to stop them healthy has occupied most of the NFL's medical personnel. Cornerbacks and safeties were second and third on the list.

Kansas City Chiefs star Tyreek Hill missed four of the 567 games that 74 receivers were sidelined for in 2019, costing teams a position-high $72 million, according to the AP's analysis of players on injured reserve at the end of the NFL's regular season along with time missed by opening-game starters.

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