Dick Butkus Dead
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10/05/23 08:44 PM
10/05/23 08:44 PM
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Garryowen
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Dick Butkus, Hall of Famer and legendary Bears linebacker, dead at 80 Butkus was a feared middle linebacker considered to be one of the best defensive players of all time Scott Thompson By Scott Thompson Fox News Published October 5, 2023 6:51pm EDT Facebook Twitter Flipboard Comments Print Email close
Fox News Flash top sports headlines for October 4 Hall of Famer and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus has died at the age of 80.
The Bears confirmed the death of Butkus via his family.
"The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California," a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, said.
"The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support."
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dick butkus before game Former Chicago Bears player Dick Butkus cheers before an NFC wild-card game between the Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field Jan. 6, 2019, in Chicago. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Butkus, considered one of the greatest defensive players of all time, spent all nine of his NFL seasons from 1965-1973 with the Bears, earning eight Pro Bowls and five first-team All-Pro selections.
Butkus was also named to the Hall of Fame All-1960s and All-1970s teams.
"Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.
"We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game. The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers. Dick was a champion of clean sports as his ‘I Play Clean’ campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes.
"We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life."
"The Enforcer" was the third overall pick of the 1965 NFL Draft out of Illinois. A South Side Chicago native who starred at Chicago Vocational, Butkus was the perfect middle linebacker to lead the way at Wrigley Field and Soldier Field.
At 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, Butkus was feared by opponents who looked across the line of scrimmage.
SUPER BOWL CHAMP JIM MCMAHON SUMS UP BEARS' PERFORMANCE AGAINST CHIEFS IN 1 WORD
Dick Butkus runs on field Linebacker Dick Butkus of the Chicago Bears pursues the play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during a game Sept. 19, 1971, at Soldier Field in Chicago. Butkus played for the Bears from 1965-73. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
"I think Dick put the fear of God into a lot of people," legendary Bears coach Mike Ditka said about Butkus.
Butkus played with ferocity and speed, which the Chicago fans rallied behind.
"When I went out on the field to warm up, I would manufacture things to make me mad," Butkus once said, per the Pro Football Hall of Fame. "If someone on the other team was laughing, I'd pretend he was laughing at me or the Bears. It always worked for me."
Dick Butkus Dick Butkus played linebacker for the Chicago Bears. (Getty images)
His career may have lasted longer than nine seasons if not for a serious knee injury in 1970 that didn’t respond properly to surgery. He retired in 1973 and, six years later, was enshrined in Canton.
With his cleats hung up, Butkus became an actor. He appeared in films like "Cry, Onion!," "Gus" and a fan favorite, "The Longest Yard" with Bert Reynolds.
Butkus later returned to Soldier Field in a broadcast role as a color analyst for radio broadcasts in 1985. He moved on to CBS’ pregame show, "The NFL Today," in 1988, where he worked through 1989.
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Butkus’ No. 51 is retired by the Bears.
Garryowen
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Re: Dick Butkus Dead
[Re: Garryowen]
#7965461
10/05/23 11:13 PM
10/05/23 11:13 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 34,966 Central, SD
Law Dog
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He was never afraid to speak his mind PC was not his thing.
Was born in a Big City Will die in the Country OK with that!
Jerry Herbst
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Re: Dick Butkus Dead
[Re: Garryowen]
#7965469
10/05/23 11:30 PM
10/05/23 11:30 PM
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Joined: Nov 2011
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Nessmuck
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Just heard that on the local news.
He was a problem for offensive linemen
It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees.
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Re: Dick Butkus Dead
[Re: Garryowen]
#7965500
10/06/23 05:15 AM
10/06/23 05:15 AM
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 3,868 Pa
Wright Brothers
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Remember him coming off the field after a turnover, said to QB, "see if you can hold em".
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Re: Dick Butkus Dead
[Re: Garryowen]
#7965529
10/06/23 06:40 AM
10/06/23 06:40 AM
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Joined: Oct 2014
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8117 Steve R
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Lifelong Packer fan here, much respect for Butkus. Liked how he played the game, didn't like when the Packers had to play against him. RIP
Steve WTA NRA
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Re: Dick Butkus Dead
[Re: Garryowen]
#7965571
10/06/23 08:28 AM
10/06/23 08:28 AM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 20,351 The Hill Country of Texas
Leftlane
"HOSS"
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"HOSS"
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RIP I think every running back probably felt nothing less than hunted when he starting. The man was a beast!
“What’s good for me may not be good for the weak minded.” Captain Gus McCrae- Texas Rangers
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Re: Dick Butkus Dead
[Re: Garryowen]
#7966662
10/07/23 09:28 PM
10/07/23 09:28 PM
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,625 N. Carolina
Scout1
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Big outdoorsman as well. Played football the way its supposed to be played. Hard nosed! Pretty good when you have a major college award named after you. Feared, respected, RIP Mr. Butkus!!
------------------------------------- DJT & MTG in 2024!
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Re: Dick Butkus Dead
[Re: Garryowen]
#7966669
10/07/23 09:39 PM
10/07/23 09:39 PM
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Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 4,835 central arkansas
the Blak Spot
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Butkus and Lambert, best linebackers ever
the just shall live by faith
member FTA, ATA, EAFT 1776 - the year we told a tyrant we weren't to be under a dictator Caveat ater macula
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