The players, coaches, and staff of the York Revolution join the sports world and all of the country in mourning the passing of NFL Hall of Famer Chris Doleman. The legendary defensive end/linebacker spent 10 seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, three with the Atlanta Falcons, and two with the San Francisco 49ers. He started 17 playoff games in 10 different seasons and made eight Pro Bowl appearances.

But this national treasure had a particularly special place in the heart of Yorkers, for it was here that it all started. Chris began playing football for the Boys Club of York and eventually joined a struggling York High football team, for which he quickly became a star. He earned all-state honors at tight end and defensive end and was all-county as a punter. He graduated in 1980, went on to a stellar collegiate career, and took the NFL by storm.

When the York Revolution chose to mark its 10th anniversary with its Celebrate York series of giveaways, Chris was a natural choice to be memorialized in a baseball tradition, the bobblehead. In an article in our playbill, the humble giant said, “I’ve had dolls and those kinds of things, well, action figures, that’s more of the manly term. But I don’t think I’ve had a bobblehead. So I’m honored. Anything that I can do to come back to the community and give back to the community, I’m all for it.”

Chris died Tuesday night at age 58 after a battle with cancer. His family and friends are in our thoughts.

Thank you, Chris.