Article posted: 12/2/2012 5:53 AM

Richard Dent talks about life after football, concussions

Buy this photo Buy this photo
next prev 5 of 11
   

Surrounded by the trappings of a career with the Bears that saw him named MVP of the Super Bowl and make the Hall of Fame, Richard Dent talks about the violence and injuries that are part of the game.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

One of the most-punishing pass-rushers in NFL history, former Bear legend Richard Dent says violence and injuries always will be a part of football.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

While he earned his nickname "The Sackman" through his relentless attacks on opposing quarterbacks, Bears legend Richard Dent says he also learned how to play through pain. After breaking an arm during a game in college, he responded by moving to the other side of the defensive line.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Surrounded by the trappings of a career with the Bears that saw him named MVP of the 1986 Super Bowl and make the Hall of Fame, Richard Dent talks about the violence and injuries that are part of the game.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Gallery Image

With his Hall of Fame bust in the foreground, Bears legend Richard Dent talks about his violent career from the comfort of his home in Long Grove.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Relaxing in the trophy room of his Long Grove home, Richard Dent talks about his Bears career that saw him named MVP of the 1986 Super Bowl and earn a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

Surrounded by the trappings of a career with the Bears that saw him named MVP of the 1986 Super Bowl and make the Hall of Fame, Richard Dent talks about the violence and injuries that are part of the game.

Bob Chwedyk | Staff Photographer

In the New England backfield for much of the game, Bears defensive end Richard Dent sacks Patriots' quarterback Steve Grogan during the Super Bowl XX football game in New Orleans. The Bears won 46-10 and Dent was named most valuable player of the game.

Associated Press/1986

Bears Defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan is hoisted on the shoulders of Otis Wilson, left, and Richard Dent, right, after the 1986 Super Bowl against the New England Patriots at the Superdome in New Orleans.

Daily Herald File Photo/1986

On the way to a Super Bowl championship and MVP award, Richard Dent punished opposing quarterbacks, including this sack against the Atlanta Falcons.

Daily Herald file photo/1986

Richard Dent, left, looks on as his presenter, Joe Gilliam, unveils a bust of Dent during Dent's induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Aug. 6, 2011, in Canton, Ohio. Gilliam is a former Tennessee State coach.

Associated Press

About this Article

As the MVP of the Chicago Bears only Super Bowl triumph, Richard "The Sackman" Dent earned his Hall of Fame status by roughing up opposing quarterbacks. Now, a soft-spoken businessman in Long Grove, Dent talks about the vilolence and injuries that are part of the game he loves.