Hall of Fame defensive end Doug Atkins dies at 85
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Doug Atkins, a defensive lineman who earned induction into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame, has died. He was 85.
Robert Shelton, a co-owner of Shelton-Hunt Funeral Home in Humboldt, Tennessee, said that Atkins died Wednesday morning of natural causes at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Atkins played professionally from 1953-69 with the Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. His 6-foot-8 frame created major matchup problems for opponents.
Before joining the NFL, Atkins played at Tennessee from 1950-52. Tennessee went 29-4-1 during his college career and won a national title in 1951.
Atkins was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
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