Before Thursday Night Football between his old club and the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field, a minute of silence was conducted in Butkus’ honor. Commissioner Goodell has given his final remark on the NFL’s death penalty.
For 51 ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/dbJAesmMAa
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 6, 2023
“Dick Butkus was a ferocious and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats. Dick was the prototypical linebacker thanks to his exceptional instincts, grit, and athleticism, and his name will be eternally associated with the position and the Chicago Bears.”
We also remember Dick as a tireless supporter of current and previous athletes at all levels. High school, college, and NFL linebackers were recognized for their on-field success and off-field contributions to the community with the Dick Butkus Award, given by his foundation.
Dick’s “I Play Clean” campaign brought attention to the problem of steroid usage among high school athletes, and he was a staunch supporter of drug-free competition. “We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life.”
A statement from the Butkus family reads, “Dick died peacefully in his sleep last night.” “The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support.”
The Bears added … “Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was Chicago’s son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidently, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership.”
The statement continued … “He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates.” Dick had a harsh style, and maybe that deterred some people from approaching him, but he truly had a tender touch. His charitable work includes an effort to eliminate doping in sports and a push to increase awareness about the importance of 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.” NFL star Dick Butkus — one of the best linebackers of all time — has died, TMZ Sports has confirmed. He was 80 years old.
We’ve heard that on Thursday, someone went to Butkus’ house to see if he needed any help and found him unresponsive. We’ve learned that around 12:51 p.m., paramedics were sent to Butkus’ Malibu home after a call reported a patient in cardiac arrest. On the spot, he was declared dead.
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At 6’3″ and 245 pounds, Butkus was one of the most terrifying players in NFL history. He was a defensive star at the University of Illinois and was drafted third overall by his hometown Chicago Bears in 1965. From 1965 through 1973, he was a Bear, during which time he was selected to six All-NFL teams, won two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and was named to eight Pro Bowls.
Butkus’s style of play earned him the moniker “The Maestro of Mayhem,” “The Enforcer,” “The Animal,” and “The Robot of Destruction,” among others. Butkus was chosen to the league’s All-Decade teams in the ’60s and ’70s … as well as the 75th and 100th Anniversary teams.
Butkus recorded 1,020 stops, 22 interceptions, and 27 fumble recoveries in nine seasons until injuries cut his career short. In 1979, the year of his first eligibility, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Butkus Award was created in 1985 to recognize the best linebackers in high school, college, and the pros.
In 1994, the Bears honored him by retiring his uniform No. 51. Butkus was also a well-known actor off the field, having been in scores of films and TV episodes including “Any Given Sunday,” “Hang Time,” and “The Last Boy Scout.” He also worked as a CBS commentator. Even after retiring, Butkus kept up with the NFL. He recently released his weekly choices on Instagram.
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