Dick Butkus - Chicago Bears
Dick Butkus, one of the toughest Chicago Bears players ever, has passed away at the age of 80, as announced by the Chicago Bears on Thursday.
Passing of an Icon: Dick Butkus at 80
Butkus became famous during his nine-year career with the Bears, which began in 1965. He was a fierce tackler and had a reputation for intimidating opponents even before the game started.
His family shared that he passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Malibu, California.
Remembering Butkus: A Football Legend
“Dick was the ultimate Bear and one of the greatest NFL players,” said team chairman George McCaskey. “He embodied the spirit of Chicago and the qualities George Halas valued in a player: toughness, smarts, passion, and leadership. He demanded the best from himself and his teammates.”
A moment of silence was observed for Butkus before the Bears’ game against the Commanders in Maryland on Thursday night.
Butkus was known for his ferocious style of play. He once said, “I want to let them know they’ve been hit hard, and they should know it was me who hit them.”
In a game against the Green Bay Packers in 1970, Butkus and teammate Willie Holman hit quarterback Bart Starr so hard that Starr lost his helmet and walked in the wrong direction.
Butkus’s Achievements and Legacy
Butkus made it to the Pro Bowl eight times during his career, but a knee injury forced him to retire in 1974 at the age of 31.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell praised Butkus as a “model linebacker” whose name will always be associated with the position and the Chicago Bears.
During his career, Butkus recorded 1,020 tackles and 22 interceptions. He was named first-team All-Pro five times and entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
Butkus: Beyond Football – Philanthropy and Media
Butkus was not just a football legend but also a philanthropist. His Butkus Foundation worked on promoting heart health and discouraging the use of performance-enhancing drugs among high school athletes.
He was also known for his appearances in movies and commercials and worked as a sports broadcaster.
Dick Butkus’s Family and Continued Influence
Dick Butkus is survived by his wife, Helen, and children Ricky, Matt, and Nikki, with his nephew Luke Butkus having a career in coaching, including time with the Bears.
Information from ESPN was used in this report.
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