Hall of Fame defensive end Doug Atkins died Wednesday in Knoxville, Tennessee, of natural causes. He was 85.
A person familiar with the matter told the Associated Press that Atkins died at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center. It is unclear why he was in the hospital.
Atkins, who played for the Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints, spent 17 seasons in the NFL. He made eight Pro Bowl teams, was a 10-time All-Pro selection (four first team, six second team) and won two NFL championships.
Listed at 6'8" and 257 pounds, Atkins was an imposing physical force during a time when player sizes paled in comparison to today's talent.