One of the greatest to have ever taken the field in the NFL is gone.
Dick Butkus, the legendary linebacker for the Chicago Bears, has passed away.
Butkus was 80 years old.
A True Legend
The Bears announced his passing after the family confirmed his death.
It stated, “The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California.
“The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen.
“They appreciate your prayers and support.”
In 1965, the Bears stuck gold when they drafted Butkus and Gale Sayers with the 3rd and 4th picks overall.
Butkus revolutionized the position, proving to be quite the turnover machine, with 22 career interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries.
He also made the middle of the field a place where receivers and tight ends wet themselves when they were forced to come into his territory to get a pass.
NFL Commission Roger Goodell paid tribute to him, stating, “Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats.
“Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.
“We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game.
“The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers.
“Dick was a champion of clean sports as his ‘I Play Clean’ campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes.”
Butkus also had a successful acting career, with 62 credits in TV shows and movies.
Rest in peace, Mr. Butkus.
Source: CBS News
