Legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus has passed away at the age of 80. Butkus, a former third-overall pick in 1965, was the most intimidating player to ever don the navy and orange of the Chicago Bears.
Deacon Jones once said, “every time he hit you, he tried to put you in the cemetery, not the hospital,” which just shows how players felt when they were tasked with going up against him.
In his NFL career, Butkus was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, five-time All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler, and a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Dick Butkus is always in the conversation of being the greatest linebacker in NFL history.
In his nine years with the Bears, Butkus finished his legendary career with 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions, and 27 fumble recoveries. Butkus was officially inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. The Chicago Bears retired Butkus’ no. 51 in 1994.
Dick Butkus embodied what it meant to be a Chicago Bear. Butkus grew up in Chicago, went to the University of Illinois, and played for his hometown team under the legendary Papa Bear, George Halas.
Even until his last moments, Butkus always supported the Bears regardless of win or loss.
When Butkus wasn’t playing, he was found kickstarting an acting career. Butkus appeared in many different roles, includingMiller Lite commercials, Any Given Sunday, and Hang Time. Butkus also spent time as an analyst for CBS.
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