In Memoriam: Dick Butkus

Hall of Fame linebacker and commentator Dick Butkus died in his sleep on Thursday, October 5, 2023. He was 80 years old.

“Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts go out to his family and friends,” the Chicago Bears shared on X.

“Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history,” team chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. “He was Chicago’s son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidentally, what George Halas looks for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership.”

The Chicago Bears great was a middle linebacker known for his no holds barred tackles and intimidating on-field presence. He played his entire nine-season career with the Bears and was selected for the Pro Bowl during eight of those seasons. He recorded 1,020 tackles and 22 interceptions during his career, was named to the first team All-Pro five times and was selected for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in ’79 on his first year of eligibility. Butkus was named to the NFL’s all-decade team for the ‘60s and ‘70s rosters, as well as a member of the 75th and 100th anniversary all-time teams.

Butkus was born on December 9, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois and grew up in the city’s South Side. He won the high school football player of the year award during his junior year, then played center and linebacker for the University of Illinois. He helped the team to a Rose Bowl victory in ’63, was named to the All-America team in his senior year, and finished third for the Heisman Trophy. Butkus was chosen third overall by the Bears in the 1965 NFL draft, getting five interceptions and seven fumble recoveries in his rookie year. A chronic knee injury ended his career in ’74.

Following his retirement, Butkus remained a passionate supporter for the Bears and even handled the team’s social media in 2022. He became a sports broadcaster and eventually color analyst for the Bears. Butkus also flexed his acting muscles, appearing in football-themed movies and shows like Brian’s Song, The Longest Yard, Necessary Roughness, The Last Boy Scout, Coach, and Any Given Sunday.

Through the Butkus Foundation he helped set up a program to encourage early screenings for heart disease, he had a campaign to encourage high school athletes to avoid performance enhancing drugs, and created the Butkus Award to honor the best college linebackers.