The NFL world has just lost a true legendary player, as Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus is dead at the age of 80. Butkus passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Malibu, California.
His family released a statement that read:
“The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support.”
The Bears chairman George McCaskey called him one of the greatest players in NFL history and said he had toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership.
McCaskey stated, “His legacy of philanthropy included a mission of ridding performance enhancing drugs from sports and promoting heart health. His contributions to the game he loved will live forever and we are grateful he was able to be at our home opener this year to be celebrated one last time by his many fans.”
The NFL is mourning the loss of legendary Hall of Famer Dick Butkus. Our thoughts are with his family and the Bears organization. pic.twitter.com/arzssONXMB
— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2023
Butkus was born in Chicago and played for the Bears starting in 1965 until his retirement in 1973. During this time he was named first-team All-NFL six times and played eight consecutive Pro Bowls. His career totals included 1,020 tackles and 489 assists as well as being recognized as the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year twice.
In 1979 Butkus received an induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on his first year of eligibility. In 1983 he was also inducted into the College Football Hall Of Fame after graduating from University Of Illinois where he studied finance/marketing/management science degree program (Bachelor Science).
After retiring from football, Butkus began pursuing a career in entertainment appearing film such as Any Given Sunday and Necessary Roughness, as well as TV shows like My Two Dads and Hang Time.
He also ran numerous philanthropic programs including ridding performance enhancing drugs from sports while promoting heart health through his foundation “The Dick Butkus Award” which honored achievement on field.
Butkus is survived by Helen who has been married to him for more than 60 years, three children five grandchildren all whom are grieving his loss.
Commissioner Roger Goodell remembered him saying “Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears”.
