Ex-Vol Chris Mims dead

Former Tennessee defensive end and San Diego Chargers defensive lineman Chris Mims was found dead Wednesday morning in his downtown Los Angeles apartment. Police said there did not appear to be any evidence of foul play. Mims was 38.

The Los Angeles native played two seasons for the Vols, earning All-SEC honors during his senior campaign of 1991. Mims finished with 90 career tackles in 19 games played, compiling 9 1/2 sacks and 12 pass deflections.

Mims then was selected by the Chargers 23rd overall in the first round of the 1992 NFL Draft. He played eight NFL seasons, seven with the Chargers and one with the Washington Redskins before retiring in 2000. Included in that span was a stretch of 46 consecutive games started during the 1994-96 seasons. Mims tallied 42 sacks for his career, including season highs of 11 in 1994 and 10 during his rookie campaign of 1992.