Doleman spent three seasons with the San Francisco 49ers (1996-98) and also played for the Minnesota Vikings (1985–93, 1999) and Atlanta Falcons (1994-95). He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and a three-time first-team All-Pro.
Doleman was the NFL sack leader in 1989 when he got to opposing quarterbacks 21 times and led the 49ers with 15 sacks in 1998. He played 15 seasons in the league and racked up 150.5 sacks, eight interceptions, two touchdowns, and two safeties during that time.
Pro Football Hall of Fame president David Baker issued the following statement:
"The entire Pro Football Hall of Fame family mourns the passing of Chris Doleman after a prolonged and courageous battle against cancer. I had the honor of getting to know him not only as a great football player but an outstanding human being. One of the honors of my life was witnessing Chris get baptized in the Jordan River during a Hall of Fame trip to Israel. The legacy of Chris Doleman will live forever in Canton, Ohio, for generations to learn from how he lived a life of courage and character."
The Vikings drafted Doleman No. 4 overall out of Pittsburgh in the 1985 draft.