CELEBRITY
Chicago Bears Hall Of Famer Dick Butkus Dead at Age 80
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Pro Football Hall of Famer Dick Butkus has died at the age of 80, the Chicago Bears announced Thursday.
Butkus died “peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu,” Calif., according to a statement from his family that was released by the Bears.
“The Butkus family is gathering with Dicks wife, Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support,” the statement read.
The legendary linebacker was a Chicago native who played for his hometown team after playing at Chicago Vocational High School and the University of Illinois.
Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history, Bears chairman George H. McCaskey said in a statement. 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.
Butkus spent eight seasons with the Bears from 1965 to 1973, and was voted to the Pro Bowl in each of them.
Before their game on Thursday night, the Bears and the Washington Commanders observed a moment of silence for Butkus at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.
Dick had a gruff manner, and maybe that kept some people from approaching him, but he actually had a soft touch, McCaskey said. His legacy of philanthropy included a mission of ridding performance enhancing drugs from sports and promoting 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.
Butkus retired from the NFL after playing part of the 1973 season, and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, the first year he was eligible. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
The Butkus Award has been given to the top linebackers at the professional, collegiate and high school levels since 1985.
After leaving the NFL, Butkus found success as a film and television actor with more than 60 credits, including starring roles in My Two Dads and Hang Time. Often, though, he appeared as himself, such as in the TV show Coach, and the movie Gremlins 2: The New Batch.
TMX contributed to this article.
