Cam Newton, Richard Dent among Atlanta鈥檚 top 10 NFL stars
2. Richard Dent, DE, J.C. Murphy
Dent is the lone Super Bowl MVP on this list, earning the honor for his performance in Super Bowl XX as part of arguably the greatest defense of all time. Coming out of Murphy High School, Dent spent four years at Tennessee State University and wasn鈥檛 selected until the eighth round of the 1983 NFL Draft with pick No. 203. The Chicago Bears took a chance on Dent, and he became a star in Buddy Ryan鈥檚 system. Dent earned his first Pro Bowl nod in 1984 with four forced fumbles and a career-high 17.5 sacks. He would be even better in 1985, also adding a first-team All-Pro honor to his resume with two interceptions, seven forced fumbles and 17 more sacks. The defensive end racked up another six sacks that postseason, including 1.5 in the Super Bowl. Dent would produce nine or more sacks for the Bears in each of the next four seasons, and have another Pro Bowl campaign in 1990 when he registered 81 tackles, 12 sacks and three interceptions. He remained a force in the Windy City through his final Pro Bowl campaign in 1993, and then went on to spend a season in San Francisco, back in Chicago, and then with the Colts and Eagles to finish off his legendary career. The defensive standout finished his time in the NFL with 37 forced fumbles, 677 total tackles, and an incredible 137.5 sacks as a Pro Football Hall of Famer.
Throwback to Richard Dent jumping over a 49ers O-lineman to sack Joe Montana.
— Bears On Tap (@BearsOnTap)
