Doug Atkins

Douglas Leon Atkins (May 8, 1930 – December 30, 2015) was an American professional football defensive end who played in the National Football League for the Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints. Born in Humboldt, Tennessee, he attended Humboldt High School, where he played on the basketball team that won the state championship in 1949 with an undefeated record. He went on to play college football for the Tennessee Volunteers under head coach Robert Neyland. In the 1953 NBA draft, Atkins was selected in the 17th round by the Minneapolis Lakers.

Standing 6 feet 8 inches, Atkins combined immense size with agility, using his skills as a former high jump champion to leapfrog blockers and reach the quarterback, and frequently batting down passes at the line of scrimmage. He was one of the first great exclusively defensive players in professional football, and along with fellow defensive end Gino Marchetti, he is credited with revolutionizing the position.

Atkins is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.