Jerry Rice, Walter Payton and the 30 best HBCU football players of all time

14. Richard Dent, defensive end: Tennessee State

NFL Hall of Famer was a pillar on the defensive line of the famed “Monsters of the Midway” Chicago Bears of the 1980s. During Dent’s remarkable NFL career, he complied 137.5 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries and an astounding eight interceptions.

Dent was one of the premier pass rush defensive ends of the 1980s, along with Bruce Smith and Reggie White. The prime of Dent’s career was from 1983-1993, where he had 124.5 of his 137.5 of his sacks. Dent retired third all-time in sacks behind White and Smith.

Dent was one of the critical members of the famed 1985 Chicago Bears defense, which claims to be the best defense in NFL history. After the Bears’ 46-10 route of the Patriots, Dent was named game MVP with 1.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a batted pass.

Dent made four pro bowls and was a four-time All-Pro first team. The Atlanta, Georgia native is one of 30 members of the “100 sack” club. Before becoming one of the great pass rushers in NFL history, Dent cut his teeth at Tennessee State.

Dent played for the Tigers from 1979-1982. A four-year letterman, Dent was a two-time All-American and was TSU’s all-time leader in sacks (39.5) when he graduated. Dent still holds the mark for sacks in a game (4.5) in 1982.

Dent finished his career in Nashville with 159 tackles and 39.5 sacks and was an eighth-round draft pick of the Bears in 1983.