Dick Butkus, a First-Ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer and perennial All-Pro linebacker for the Chicago Bears, died at the age of 80 on Thursday.
A native Chicagoan, Butkus first rose to prominence as a standout linebacker for the University of Illinois. The Bears would select him at No. 3 overall in the 1965 NFL Draft, hoping he would become a franchise cornerstone. He didn’t disappoint. In nine seasons with his hometown Bears, Butkus qualified for eight Pro Bowls and earned eight different All-Pro selections (five First-Team, three Second-Team).
Beyond the individual accolades, Butkus quickly developed a reputation as the quintessential intimidator. He was both a skilled defender and a manipulator of his opponents’ heads. Teammate and fellow Bears legend Mike Ditka once aptly described Butkus’s distinct style of play, saying, “I think Dick [Butkus] put the fear of God into a lot of people.”
These days, the Bears have a reputation for a special linebacking tradition. It is rare that the NFL’s charter franchise does not have a difference-making star playing linebacker. Said tradition likely never gains traction without Butkus’s trademark individual prowess while manning and terrorizing the middle of the field. He was the face of the position for Chicago — one of the original Chicago sports icons — and someone whose gargantuan footsteps were followed by seemingly countless defenders on any other franchise. As a lifelong Chicagoan, Butkus was, for all intents and purposes, the classic Bears linebacker.
The Bears released a statement from the Butkus family, honoring one of the franchise’s grandest pillars:
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 5, 2023
Bears chairman George H. McCaskey also chimed in with a wonderful and heartfelt message.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 5, 2023
The NFL released a statement mourning the loss of Butkus as well:
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
The sports world poured in their tributes and stories about Butkus in honor of the late football icon.
Dick Butkus wasn’t just one of the greatest football players to ever play the game, he was a remarkable man. He was always there for me when I needed him. Now, these 3 #Bears legends are in heaven, sharing a drink, getting ready to watch the #TNF game from the best seats. Here's… pic.twitter.com/dzKa8n5p7x
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) October 5, 2023
NFL Hall of Famer and one of the hardest hitting linebackers I’ve ever seen in my lifetime, Dick Butkus, passed away today. May he rest in peace! Cookie and I are praying for his family and loved ones!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 5, 2023
The greatest to ever wear 51
RIP Dick Butkus pic.twitter.com/lL2x3svXGO
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) October 5, 2023
Dick Butkus was one of the most ferocious defenders in NFL history, a likable presence on TV and in the movies, a great radio interview, a CVS High School/Illini/Bears icon, and even the inspiration for Sylvester Stallone naming his beloved bull mastiff "Butkus." #legend pic.twitter.com/idUEOGfAx4
— Richard Roeper (@RichardERoeper) October 5, 2023
We at NFL Alumni are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Pro Football Hall of Famer, legendary Dick Butkus (Bears; 1965-73). We offer our condolences to Dick’s friends and family. RIP. pic.twitter.com/PKQi11aoee
— NFL Alumni (@NFLAlumni) October 5, 2023
R.I.P to one of the Goats🙏🏾 #DickButkus
— Nakobe Dean🔝🔜 (@NakobeDean) October 5, 2023
Sad to hear of the passing of Dick Butkus, I used to watch his highlight reel right before I went to play my HS football games. One of the toughest players I’ve ever seen play.
— Mike Golic (@golic) October 5, 2023
RIP to the legend, the Enforcer, Dick Butkus. #DaBears
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) October 5, 2023
Bears haven’t been blessed with a ton of success recently but they’ve been blessed historically with some of the most remarkable personalities in the sport. Dick Butkus was at the top of that list. https://t.co/EF0mDSBZfg
Never forgotten.
— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) October 5, 2023
Dick Butkus was such a badass, man. RIP to An absolute #Bears and NFL legend.
Here is not only one of my favorite Butkus pictures, but Bears picture of all time. pic.twitter.com/VvJpXfjJns
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) October 5, 2023
RIP Dick Butkus, #Bears legend
One of the most feared players in NFL history pic.twitter.com/sZ0pLiYM0c
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) October 5, 2023
There probably isn’t another alum who I’ve been more proud is associated with the University of Illinois than Dick Butkus. Universally respected but was always “our guy.”
RIP
— Bob Zuppke (@BobZuppke) October 5, 2023
