Richard Dent, Class of 2011

Dent_01

An eighth-round draft pick out of Tennessee State, rookie defensive end Richard Dent immediately exceeded the Chicago Bears' expectations. Dent played in every game as a rookie in 1983 and even started in three.

Dent_02

For Dent, the 1984 season was the beginning of a remarkable 10-year period during which he recorded 10 or more sacks in eight of the next ten seasons including five consecutive (1984-88).

Dent_03

Dent’s NFC leading 17.5 sacks in 1984 was immediately followed up with an NFL best 17 sacks in 1985.

Dent_04

Dent, a pass-rushing force, was a dominant player on a dominant defense. “He’ll make the guy in front of him know he’s in for a day’s work,” former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Ray Rhodes said of Dent when he signed him late in his career.

Dent_05

At the time of his retirement, Dent’s 137.5 career sack total was third behind Reggie White and Bruce Smith.

Dent_06

Aside from his 137.5 career sacks, Dent also had 8 interceptions, a safety, and fumble recovery for a touchdown.

Dent_100

Dent had 10 or more sacks in a season five consecutive times from 1984-88.

Dent_101

Dent brings down the Cowboys' Danny White.

Dent_102

Dent's career-high for sacks in a game is 4.5. He accomplished the feat twice, both times against the Raiders.

Dent_103

Dent was elected to four Pro Bowls.

Dent_104

Dent played two games with 49ers' Super Bowl team in 1994.

Dent_105

Dent picked up 6.5 sacks in his one season with the Indianapolis Colts in 1996.

Dent_106

Dent was named the MVP of Super Bowl XX as he helped lead the Bears past the Patriots, 46-10. He had three tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles in the win.

Dent_107

Richard was a member of seven division winning teams in his career.

Dent_108

Dent had double-digit sack totals eight times in 10 seasons. That ranked tied for second all-time when he retired.

Dent_109

Richard Dent is the 27th long-time member of the Bears elected to the Hall of Fame.

Dent_110

Dent tied a NFL playoff record with 3.5 sacks against the New York Giants on Jan. 5, 1986.

Dent_111

In all, Dent played in 203 regular season games during his 15-season career.

Dent_112

Dent was named first-team All-Pro in 1984 and again in 1985.

Dent_113

Linemate Dan Hampton (99) preceded Dent in Canton in 2002.

Dent_114

Dent spent his NFL season with Philadelphia. He had 4.5 sacks with the Eagles that year.

Dent_115

Dent's athletic ability made him tough to handle.

Dent_116

Richard was named All-NFC five times.

Dent_117

He racked up 17.5 sacks in his second season despite starting just 10 games.

Dent_118

Dent signs footballs that will be sold exclusively in the Hall of Fame store as HOF Vice President Steve Strawbridge (left) looks on.

Dent_119

Richard is measured by sculptor Blair Buswell two days after being elected the Hall of Fame. It is the first step in the process of creating his Hall of Fame bronze bust.

Dent_120

Dent is measured for his Hall of Fame Gold Jacket.

Dent_TSU

Dent is the first alum from Tennessee State to be enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.