Dick Butkus, Fearsome Hall Of Fame Chicago Bears Linebacker, Dies At 80
Oct 5, 2023, 5:08 PM | Updated: Oct 6, 2023, 10:57 am
CHICAGO (AP) — Dick Butkus, a fearsome middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears, has died, the team announced Thursday. He was 80.
According to a statement released by the team, Butkus’ family confirmed that he died in his sleep overnight at his home in Malibu, California.
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 a Hall of Famer whose bone-rattling tackles made him one of the most intimidating players in NFL history. He was the quintessential modern linebacker, a disruptive force who roamed sideline to sideline and left a trail of broken opponents behind.
He was a first-team All-Pro selection five times and made the Pro Bowl in eight of his nine seasons before knee injuries forced his retirement at age 31. Despite a short career, Butkus came to define his position. He routinely ranks among the NFL’s top 100 players.
Playing off his tough-guy image, Butkus later acted in movies, TV shows and commercials.
