Richard Dent Elected to Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced on Saturday that Richard Dent, a defensive end with the Super Bowl-winning Bears, was elected to their ranks. He will join teammates Walter Payton, Mike Singletary and Dan Hampton, and add to the Bears lead as the franchise with the most players in the Hall. Take that, Packers and Steelers!

Dent was a key part of the 46 defense that the Super Bowl-winning Bears used to wreak havoc on the NFL in 1985. He led the league with sacks that season, taking out the QB 17 times. He had 1.5 in the Super Bowl, and was named the game's MVP. Most importantly, he contributed a bluesy, understated solo to the "Super Bowl Shuffle."

But no man makes the Hall of Fame for just one season. In his 14-season career, he made the Pro Bowl four times, and was in the league's top ten for sacks four times. He spent most of his career in Chicago, but also played for San Francisco, Indianapolis and Philadelphia before retiring with 137.5 sacks -- 124.5 with Chicago -- 37 forced fumbles and eight interceptions. When Dent was on the line, quarterbacks were scared.

It took Hall of Fame voters eight tries to find a place for Dent, while he watched players with lesser numbers get in. Now, they finally got it right, and Dent will be inducted to the Hall of Fame on Aug. 6

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