By Darin Richard Dent became one of the greatest late-round steals in NFL history. Selected in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL Draft, the Tennessee State product anchored the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears defense, racking up a massive 137.5 career sacks. Dive into the career of the four-time All-Pro defensive end who earned the ultimate honor of Super Bowl XX MVP and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame!
Football Bio
December 13, 1960 – Richard Dent, a 15-year tenured NFL defensive end for the Chicago Bears, came into this world. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s website bio the Tennessee State product was picked by the Bears in the 1983 NFL Draft in the eight round. What a bargain find Chicago had with that pick, as Dent dominated with 137.5 career sacks.
Richard was part of one of the NFL’s greatest defenses, the 1985 Bears under legendary coordinator Buddy Ryan. Dent was an All-Pro and went to the Pro Bowl 4 times, was named the Super Bowl XX Most Valuable Player, and helped the Bears cap off the monster season by winning it all.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Richard Dent in 2011.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Birth Date: December 13, 1960
- College: Tennessee State
- NFL Draft: 1983 (8th Round, Chicago Bears)
- Career: 15 seasons in the NFL (Primarily Chicago Bears)
- Key Statistic: 137.5 career sacks.
- Pro Bowl: 4-time selection.
- All-Pro: 4-time selection.
- Team Accomplishment: Key member of the historic 1985 Chicago Bears defense.
- Championship: Super Bowl XX Champion (1985 season).
- Individual Honor: Super Bowl XX Most Valuable Player (MVP).
- Hall of Fame: Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Conclusion
Richard Dent’s story is a classic example of a bargain draft pick evolving into a dominant NFL force. His relentless pass-rushing skills and his role in one of football’s greatest defenses—the 1985 Bears—defined an era of defensive excellence. Capping his career with 137.5 sacks and a Super Bowl MVP trophy, Dent stands as an undeniable legend whose 2011 Hall of Fame induction was richly deserved.
