Dent quickly established himself as a force on the Bears' defensive line. In his rookie season, he demonstrated his potential by recording three sacks. Over the next few years, he became an integral part of the Bears' defense, known for his ability to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt offensive plays. His breakout season came in 1984 when he led the NFL with 17.5 sacks, earning him his first Pro Bowl selection.
The 1985 season was a highlight of Dent's career. He played a crucial role in the Bears' dominant defense, which was instrumental in the team's journey to Super Bowl XX. Dent's performance in the Super Bowl was outstanding; he recorded 1.5 sacks and forced two fumbles, earning him the Super Bowl MVP award. The Bears' victory over the New England Patriots cemented Dent's reputation as one of the league's top defensive players.
Throughout his tenure with the Bears, Dent continued to be a defensive powerhouse. He was selected to the Pro Bowl four times and was named a first-team All-Pro twice. His ability to consistently pressure quarterbacks and make game-changing plays was a significant asset to the Bears' defense.
In 1994, Dent left the Bears and signed with the San Francisco 49ers. His time with the 49ers was brief but impactful, as he helped the team secure a victory in Super Bowl XXIX. Dent then had stints with the Indianapolis Colts and the Philadelphia Eagles before returning to the Bears for his final NFL season in 1997.
Over his 15-year career, Dent accumulated 137.5 sacks, placing him among the top pass rushers in NFL history. His achievements on the field were recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
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