Richard Dent

Super Bowl XX MVP and Hall of Fame defensive end for the Chicago Bears.

Richard Lamar Dent (born December 13, 1960) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL), primarily for the Chicago Bears. He was the MVP of the Super Bowl XX. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Quick Facts

Number: 95, 96
Position: Defensive end
Born: 13 December 1960
Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
High school: J. C. Murphy (Atlanta)
College: Tennessee State (1979–1982)
Draft year: 1983
Draft round: 8

Facts from the source article.

Background

Dent was selected in the eighth round by the Bears, with the 203rd overall pick in the 1983 NFL draft. He was a great pass rusher who beat offensive tackles with his speed and thrived in defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan's aggressive 46 defense. Between 1984 and 1985, Dent recorded 34.5 sacks while recording a then team-record 17.5 sacks in the former season. In Super Bowl XX, he had 1.5 sacks, forced two fumbles, and blocked a pass.

He was a featured soloist of the 'Shuffling Crew' in the video, the 'Super Bowl Shuffle' in 1985. Dent would remain with the team until the end of the 1993 season. He won another Super Bowl ring after spending the 1994 season under contract with the 49ers, though he spent almost the whole year injured. He would spend 1996 and 1997 with the Indianapolis Colts and Philadelphia Eagles, respectively.

Dent retired after the 1997 season. His lifetime statistics included 137.5 sacks and eight interceptions; he returned these picks for 89 yards and one touchdown. He also recovered 13 fumbles, returning them for 56 yards and one touchdown. He had 124.5 sacks during his first stint with the Bears, from 1983 to 1993.

At the time of his retirement, his 137.5 sacks ranked him third in NFL history behind Reggie White and Bruce Smith. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. He was also inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2008 and the Black College Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

Did You Know?

He made a mere $90,000 in base salary for the 1985 season.
According to a DNA analysis, he descended mainly from Mende people of Sierra Leone and Balanta people of Guinea Bissau.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role did Richard Dent play on the field?

As a defensive end, Dent utilized an explosive combination of speed and strength to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. His relentless motor and ability to rush the passer made him the primary threat in Chicago's defensive scheme, helping redefine how the position was played during his era.

Why is Richard Dent considered a legend in Bears history?

Dent is crucial to Bears history because he delivered the franchise's first Super Bowl championship and captured the MVP award in that game.

What happened after Richard Dent left the Chicago Bears?

He won a second Super Bowl ring as a member of the 49ers in Super Bowl XXIX before retiring from professional football.

How did Richard Dent contribute to the '46 Defense?

The '46 Defense relied on Dent's unique ability to penetrate gaps and disrupt plays before they developed, effectively neutralizing opposing offenses. His presence allowed the unit to generate constant pressure without needing excessive blitzes, making him the strategic centerpiece of Chicago's defensive success.