Dick Butkus dies aged 80
Dick Butkus, the renowned linebacker who made a name for himself with the Chicago Bears in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, passed away at the age of 80, as confirmed by the team on Thursday.
His on-field excellence was matched by his later success in television and film, where his outgoing nature made him a beloved figure.
Who was Richard Marvin Butkus ?
Richard Marvin Butkus, a football legend, passed away on October 5, 2023.
source : static01
He played as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1973.
Butkus was a Pro Bowl invitee eight times and NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice.
Born in Chicago, he excelled at Illinois, leading them to a Rose Bowl win in 1963.
College Football Hall of Fame inductee in 1983.
Selected third overall by the Bears in the 1965 NFL Draft.
Known for forcing turnovers, with 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries (a record).
His tackling style earned him the title of the most feared tackler of all time.
Defined the middle linebacker position, considered the gold standard.
Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in 1979; his No. 51 jersey is retired.
Post-football career in acting, sports commentary, and philanthropy through the Butkus Foundation.
Dick Butkus dies aged 80
Sports Illustrated’s 1970 NFL preview featured a photo of Dick Butkus, with the headline, ‘The Most Feared Man in the Game.’
source : thumb
His bone-rattling hits left opponents in no doubt about his fearsomeness.
The Chicago Bears’ legendary middle linebacker, a trailblazer in speed and ferocity, passed away at 80.
His family confirmed his peaceful passing at his Malibu, California home.
Butkus earned five first-team All-Pro and eight Pro Bowl selections during his nine-season career.
Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, he remains a defensive legend.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell praised Butkus as a model linebacker and advocate for former players.
A moment of silence honored Butkus before the Bears’ game against the Washington Commanders.
More about Dick Butkus
Butkus had a successful second career in broadcasting, acting, and endorsements.
He played close to home throughout his football career, remaining with the Bears.
He inherited the middle linebacker position and brought unmatched intensity and agility to the game.
Known for aggressive play, he often went above and beyond to disrupt opponents.
Despite his intimidating style, he had a penchant for making himself angry before games.
Injuries ultimately led to his retirement in 1974, followed by a lawsuit against the Bears.
The Bears’ championship came after his departure, leaving him questioning their performance.
Post-retirement, Butkus excelled in acting and sports commentary and remained involved in philanthropy.
The Butkus Foundation promotes health and supports awards for linebackers.
He’s remembered for his tough exterior but also his softer side.
Survived by his wife and children, his nephew Luke Butkus continued in the football world.
Early life
Born in Chicago, youngest of eight, first hospital-born, weighed 13 pounds 6 ounces.
Father, John, Lithuanian immigrant, electrician at Pullman-Standard.
Mother, Emma, worked 50 hours weekly at a laundry.
Raised in Roseland, South Side; fan of Chicago Cardinals.
Brother Ron tried out for Cardinals but quit due to a knee injury.
Worked as a mover with his brothers for four years.
Played multiple positions in high school, excelled as a linebacker.
Injured in senior year but highly recruited for college football.
Summer of 1960, starred as a catcher for the Sundodgers in Chicago Park District baseball.
Credited with driving in all runs in one game, hitting a home run to center field.
