Tennessee Volunteers

Hall of Fame defensive end Doug Atkins dies at 85

Published Dec. 30, 2015 5:00 p.m. ET

foxsports

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.

Considered by many football historians as one of the toughest men ever to play, social media remembered him fondly.

#Bears legend Doug Atkins has passed away at 85. Our prayers are with the Atkins family. https://t.co/4IS99qtXcq pic.twitter.com/PrvcpSZn5B
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 30, 2015

RIP to the legend Doug Atkins #VFL pic.twitter.com/Ke2paPdTqf
— VolHype (@volhype) December 30, 2015

Doug Atkins, former UT and NFL star, dies at 85 https://t.co/wXAnCzuqM2 pic.twitter.com/pmRfMAB3IK
— GoVolsXtra(@GoVolsXtra) December 30, 2015

Doug Atkins, one of the most devastating pass rushers ever to play, has passed away. More: https://t.co/vNKxHUYySN pic.twitter.com/NLVgwKeha4
— Pro Football HOF (@ProFootballHOF) December 30, 2015

Doug Atkins, Pro Football Hall of Famer and original Saint, dies at 85 https://t.co/2KbjmV5Z3u pic.twitter.com/tIDQcE3WLp
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) December 30, 2015