HR0825 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0825 LRB097 20660 GRL 66673 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On August 6, 2011, Richard Dent was inducted into the Professional Football Hall of Fame; and

WHEREAS, After playing for 4 years at Tennessee State University, Richard Dent was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1983; and

WHEREAS, Richard Dent played every game during his rookie season with the Chicago Bears and started in 3 of those games; and

WHEREAS, In 1984, Richard Dent recorded a Bears team record of 17.5 sacks while being a starter in only the last 10 games of the season, which was also the most of any defender in the NFC; and

WHEREAS, During the historic 1985 Bears Super Bowl victory, Richard Dent recorded 3 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles, ultimately earning him the Most Valuable Player honors; and

WHEREAS, Richard Dent was named first-or second-team All-Pro 4 times and All-NFC 5 times; he was also selected to play in 4 Pro Bowls (1985, 1986, 1991, and 1994); and

WHEREAS, Under Richard Dent's leadership, the Bears defense during the 1980s ranks as one of the best in the history of professional football; and

WHEREAS, Upon his retirement in 1997, Richard Dent had a career total of 137.5 sacks, 8 interceptions, and 13 recovered fumbles; and

WHEREAS, Richard Dent founded the Make a Dent Foundation over 15 years ago to improve the lives of children; the organization currently focuses on partnerships with higher education institutions, civic and community development, and leadership development; and

WHEREAS, The Make a Dent Foundation cultivates the advancement of inventive and effective ways of helping people help themselves and those around them lead productive and satisfying lives; and

WHEREAS, Richard Dent embodies the true nexus of on-field excellence, sportsmanship, and teamwork; and

WHEREAS, The members of this body, along with the citizens of the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago applaud Richard Dent for helping make history for Bears fans worldwide; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we designate the date of August 6, 2012 as "Richard Dent Day" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Richard Dent as a symbol of our esteem and respect.