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Atkins, Hall of Fame DE with Browns, Saints, dies

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. -- Doug Atkins, a defensive lineman who earned induction into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame, has died. He was 85.

Robert Shelton, a co-owner of Shelton-Hunt Funeral Home in Humboldt, Tennessee, said that Atkins died Wednesday morning of natural causes at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Atkins was a four-time all-NFL selection who made eight Pro Bowl appearances during a 17-year NFL career with the Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints. His 6-foot-8 frame created major matchup problems for opponents.