Doug Atkins, the towering Hall of Fame defensive end who manhandled offensive linemen and quarterbacks for 17 seasons in the National Football League, most famously with the Chicago Bears, died on Wednesday at his home in Knoxville, Tenn. He was 85.
His death was confirmed by his son Dalton, who said he had been ailing for some time.
Playing from the early 1950s to the late 1960s, Atkins was a giant for his time, at 6 feet 8 inches and 280 pounds or so.
Renowned for his strength and agility, he was a fearsome pass-rusher.