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Come Fan with UsSaturday, June 20, 2026

Chris Doleman Hall Of Fame Speech: ‘Anything You Want ... You Can Get Through Sacks’

Chris Doleman carried a brief case to work. Not an unusual move for someone that works in a corner office, but Doleman's corner office was on the outside of the Minnesota Vikings defensive line, until the center snapped the ball and his office relocated to the pocket.

One of the most dominant defensive ends to play the game, Doleman actually started out as a linebacker -- a middle linebacker -- before the team moved him to the outside. It was a move that hearkened back to the start of his football days at eight-years-old. Doleman’s first goal was to be a starter. From there it was to be the best, regardless of what position he played.

Thank yous took up the bulk of Doleman’s speech. He ran through a long list of former teammates, coaches, friends, businesses and business associates. He thanked his two children three times, and his remarks revealed just how important his family was to his personal and professional life, even when it came to choosing a college.

With offers from a number of schools, Doleman opted for the University of Pittsburgh so that his parents could come and watch him play.

Aside from the long list of people to thank, Doleman did take a moment to recognize what it was that brought him to Canton this weekend.

“Anything you want in life you can get through sacks,” he said.

For more on the Vikings, check out The Daily Norseman. For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic. For 49ers coverage, visit Niners Nation.

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