Dick Butkus. Dylan Buell/Getty Photographs
Chicago Bears legend and former participant Dick Butkus died on Wednesday, October 4. He was 80.
Butkus’ household confirmed his passing on Thursday, October 5, sharing in a statement that he “died peacefully in his sleep in a single day at house in Malibu, California.”
The assertion continued: “The Butkus household is gathering with Dick’s spouse Helen. They recognize your prayers and assist.”
Butkus was a linebacker for the Bears from 1965 to 1978 after enjoying school soccer at College of Illinois. He was often known as a hometown hero after rising up in Chicago.
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The late athlete’s jersey — No. 51 — was retired in 1994 by the staff to honor his legacy. Butkus was inducted into the NFL Corridor of Fame in 1979.
All through his time within the NFL, Butkus was a starter in 119 video games for the Bears. He was a two-time Defensive Participant of the Yr and was chosen to eight Professional Bowls. Butkus was additionally named an All-Professional seven instances in his 9 seasons.
He was later named into the NFL’s Sixties All-Decade Group, Nineteen Seventies All-Decade Group, seventy fifth Anniversary All-Time Group and one centesimal Anniversary All-Time Group, solidifying Butkus as one of many all-time greats in his place.
The Butkus Award was instituted in 1985. It’s an honor given to the very best highschool, school {and professional} linebackers yearly.
Following his soccer profession, Butkus turned a sports activities broadcaster and broke into Hollywood with roles in 1974’s The Longest Yard, 1991’s Crucial Roughness and 1999’s Any Given Sunday.
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“Dick Butkus wasn’t simply one of many best soccer gamers to ever play the sport, he was a exceptional man,” retired working again Jarrett Payton wrote via an X tribute on Thursday. “He was at all times there for me after I wanted him. Now, these 3 #Bears legends are in heaven, sharing a drink, on the brink of watch the #TNF recreation from the very best seats. Right here’s to you, @thedickbutkus. Your spirit will reside on perpetually. #RIPButkus 🙏🏽🐻⬇️ #NFL.”
Bears chairman George H. McCaskey additionally honored Butkus in a statement on Thursday, calling the late participant “the last word Bear and one of many best gamers in NFL historical past.”
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McCaskey added: “He was Chicago’s son. He exuded what our nice metropolis is about. … His contributions to the sport he cherished will reside perpetually and we’re grateful he was capable of be at our house opener this 12 months to be celebrated one final time by his many followers.”
Butkus is survived by his spouse, Helen Essenhart, whom he married in 1963. His legacy can be evident in his three youngsters, Ricky, Matt, and Nikki Butkus, and grandchildren.
