Richard Dent

December 13, 1960, in Atlanta, Georgia, Richard Dent forged a Hall of Fame career in American football, renowned for his exceptional pass-rushing prowess.  

College Career:

Richard Dent attended Tennessee State University from 1979 to 1982. Under the guidance of legendary coach John Merritt, Dent excelled as a defensive lineman. He lettered in football every year and earned All-American honors twice. Dent established a Tennessee State career record with 39.5 sacks and set a single-game sack record of 4.5 in 1982. He concluded his collegiate career with 158 tackles and six fumble recoveries.  

Road to the Pro Game:

Dent was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the eighth round (203rd overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft. Despite his relatively late selection, he quickly exceeded expectations. Dent played in every game as a rookie and became a permanent starter at right defensive end in his second season. His speed and pass-rushing ability thrived in defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan's aggressive "46 defense."  

Football Legacy:

Richard Dent is considered one of the premier pass rushers in NFL history. He was a cornerstone of the dominant Chicago Bears defenses of the 1980s and early 1990s. His relentless pressure on quarterbacks was a key factor in the Bears' success, culminating in their Super Bowl XX victory, where he earned MVP honors. Dent's consistent ability to generate sacks and disrupt offenses solidified his place as a Bears legend and a Hall of Famer.  

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ Super Bowl Champion (XX)

✦ Super Bowl XX MVP  

✦ 4x Pro Bowl selection (1985, 1986, 1991, 1994)  

✦ 1x First-team All-Pro (1985)  

✦ 5x All-NFC selection  

✦ NFL Sacks Leader (1985)  

✦ NFL 1980s All-Decade Team

✦ Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2011)  

Career Stats: 203 games played, 137.5 sacks, 8 interceptions, 37 forced fumbles, 13 fumble recoveries, 1 safety, 2 defensive touchdowns.