Renowned as an esteemed middle linebacker in the NFL and hailing from Chicago, Dick Butkus, an iconic Hall of Famer associated with the Bears, has passed away at the age of 80.
The Dick family issued a formal statement, confirming Dick Butkus, a legend in football and entertainment, peacefully passed away in his sleep at his residence in Malibu, Califhttps://www.britannica.com/place/California-stateornia. The Dick family is presently gathered with Dick’s wife, Helen, and they express gratitude for your thoughts and backing.
“Gridiron Warrior No More: A Tribute to the Legendary Dick Butkus 🐻”
George H. McCaskey, the chairman of the Bears, conveyed, “Dick truly epitomized the spirit of a bear and stood as one of the premier players in the annals of the NFL. He was a true son of Chicago, embodying the essence of our illustrious city—much like what George Halas sought in a player: fortitude, intelligence, instincts, zeal, and guidance. He demanded nothing short of excellence from himself and his teammates. When we unveiled the statue of George Halas at our team’s headquarters, we invited Dick to speak at the event, knowing that he represented Papa Bear.”
Dick exhibited a stern demeanor, perhaps deterring some from approaching him. However, beneath that exterior was a gentle disposition. His philanthropic legacy involved a mission to eradicate performance-enhancing substances from sports and advocate for cardiovascular health. His indelible contributions to the game he cherished will endure, and we appreciate his presence at our initial home game this year, where he was honored one last time by his ardent admirers.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to Helen, Dick’s high school sweetheart and companion of six decades, and their extended family.
Butkus epitomized the quintessential story of a local lad who achieved greatness. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, he shone at Chicago Vocational High School and the University of Illinois before the Bears selected him as the third overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft, a single position before his longtime comrade and fellow Hall of Famer Gale Sayers.
Butkus devoted all eight of his NFL seasons to the Bears from 1965-1973, etching an enduring mark in the franchise’s history. He was an intimidating and unrelenting presence, possessing skill, aggression, and a combative spirit.
“If given a choice, I would rather face a grizzly bear one-on-one,” remarked MacArthur Lane, the running back for the Green Bay Packers. I hope I can get up after each interaction with Butkus.
“Dick was a force of nature,” as expressed by Deacon Jones, a Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end. I described him as an absolute maniac, calling him such. He was a supremely conditioned force, and every time he struck, his intent was to send you to the cemetery, not the infirmary.”
For eight consecutive NFL seasons, Butkus earned a spot in the Pro Bowl and secured All-Pro status in seven of his nine years. He clinched two NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards and gained entry into the Hall of Fame in 1979, in his initial year of eligibility.
Butkus was named to the NFL All-Decade Teams for both the 1960s and 1970s, and his No. 51 jersey was retired by the Bears. Moreover, he was chosen for the NFL’s 75th and 100th Anniversary Teams.
Butkus also possessed extraordinary prowess in handling the ball. He set an NFL record, albeit now surpassed, with 26 fumble recoveries. His 22 career interceptions are tied for 11th place in Bears history, standing alongside fellow Hall of Famer middle linebacker Brian Urlacher.
In the Chicago Bears Centennial Scrapbook, published in 2019, esteemed writers Dan Pompei and Don Pierson ranked Butkus as the second most eminent player in the franchise’s history, surpassed only by the legendary running back, Walter Payton.
Butkus shared with ChicagoBears.com in 2019, during the Bears100 Celebration in Rosemont, his sense of fortune at having showcased his skills in his hometown.
“It’s a rather unique position because I believe not many players have had that opportunity,” Butkus reflected. “I feel exceptionally fortunate. My parents were able to witness probably 95 percent of the games played in Chicago, which was gratifying for my family and me.
“Playing for someone deeply immersed in football since my earliest memories, who better to play for than a figure like George Halas, the man who kickstarted it all? I just felt that everything fell into place for a reason.”
When asked about the fierceness and fervor for which he was renowned, Butkus remarked, “I believed that was the standard way everyone should play. However, I suppose they differed because they contended that I had a distinctive playing style. You strive to intimidate your opponent, delivering hard hits that make them prioritize evading blows over holding onto the ball. If this stood out, then I guess others weren’t doing it as much.”
Interestingly, one of Butkus’ most memorable moments in his career did not unfold on defense. It materialized in a late-game scenario in 1971 against Washington, where the Bears sought an extra point to break a 15-15 deadlock. Bobby Douglass, amidst a challenging snap, orchestrated a maneuver to the left and hoisted the ball into the end zone to Butkus, who skillfully caught the pass, granting the Bears an exhilarating 16-15 triumph.
Post his tenure with the Bears, Butkus transitioned into a sought-after actor, gracing numerous movies and television shows—often alongside his fellow football alum, Bubba Smith. Butkus acquired recurring roles on TV productions such as “My Two Dads,” “Vega$,” “MacGyver,” and “Hang Time.” His cinematic credits encompassed “Brian’s Song” (playing himself), “The Longest Yard,” “Johnny Dangerously,” “Necessary Roughness,” and “Any Given Sunday.”
Butkus extended his endorsement to several products, prominently featuring in a series of commercials for Miller Lite alongside other former professional athletes.
.Throughout his adult years, Butkus generously backed various charitable causes. He founded and operated the Butkus Foundation, instituting the Butkus Award to honor the nation’s preeminent linebacker in professional, collegiate, and high school football. Additionally, the Hall of Famer initiated the Dick Butkus Center for Cardiovascular Wellness, a nonprofit entity headquartered in Orange County, Calif., pioneering a cardiac screening program utilizing specialized tests to identify individuals at risk of heart disease and sudden cardiac demise.
Furthermore, the Butkus Foundation spearheads the “I Play Clean Campaign,” aimed at educating and motivating high school athletes to adopt sound training regimens and dietary habits, without resorting to illicit steroids and other performance-enhancing agents.
Dick Butkus, a name synonymous with formidable defense in American football, leaves a lasting legacy. A Chicago native, he blazed a trail of excellence in the NFL, earning a place of reverence even after his recent passing at the age of 80.
In a formal statement, the Butkus Family confirmed the peaceful passing of Dick Butkus, a legend in both football and entertainment. The night claimed him at his Malibu residence in California. The family, accompanied by Helen, Dick’s devoted wife, appreciates the outpouring of thoughts and support during this time.
George H. McCaskey, the Bears’ chairman, paid tribute, saying, “Dick embodied the true spirit of a Bear and stood as one of the finest players in NFL history. He was a true son of Chicago, reflecting the essence of our great city—akin to what George Halas sought in a player: resilience, intelligence, instincts, passion, and leadership. He demanded nothing less than excellence from himself and his teammates. When we unveiled the George Halas statue at our team’s headquarters, we chose Dick to speak, knowing he echoed Papa Bear’s sentiments.”
Behind Dick’s stern demeanor lay a compassionate soul. His philanthropic legacy extended to eradicating performance-enhancing substances from sports and advocating for heart health. His enduring contributions to the sport will resonate, and we are grateful for his presence at our home opener this year, where he was celebrated by his loyal fans.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Helen, Dick’s high school sweetheart, and his companion for six decades, along with their extended family.
Butkus embodied the story of a local lad rising to greatness. Raised on the South Side of Chicago, he shone at Chicago Vocational High School and the University of Illinois before the Bears selected him as the third overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft, a spot ahead of his enduring comrade and fellow Hall of Famer, Gale Sayers.
In his eight-year NFL career, all devoted to the Bears from 1965-1973, Butkus etched his name in the annals of the franchise. He was a formidable and relentless force, armed with skill, aggression, and a competitive spirit.
“If given a choice, I’d rather face a grizzly bear one-on-one,” remarked MacArthur Lane, the running back for the Green Bay Packers.
For eight successive NFL seasons, Butkus earned a berth in the Pro Bowl and secured All-Pro status in seven of his nine years. He clinched two NFL Defensive Player of the Year Awards and gained entry into the Hall of Fame in 1979, in his inaugural year of eligibility.
Butkus was appointed to the NFL All-Decade Teams for both the 1960s and 1970s, and his No. 51 jersey was retired by the Bears. Additionally, he was selected for the NFL’s 75th and 100th Anniversary Teams.
Butkus also possessed extraordinary prowess in handling the ball. He set an NFL record, albeit now surpassed, with 26 fumble recoveries. His 22 career interceptions are tied for 11th place in Bears history, standing alongside fellow Hall of Famer middle linebacker Brian Urlacher.
In the Chicago Bears Centennial Scrapbook, published in 2019, esteemed writers Dan Pompei and Don Pierson ranked Butkus as the second most eminent player in the franchise’s history, surpassed only by the legendary running back, Walter Payton.
Butkus shared with ChicagoBears.com in 2019, during the Bears100 Celebration in Rosemont, his sense of fortune at having showcased his skills in his hometown.
“It’s a rather unique position because I believe not many players have had that opportunity,” Butkus reflected. “I feel exceptionally fortunate. My parents were able to witness probably 95 percent of the games played in Chicago, which was gratifying for my family and me.
“Playing for someone deeply immersed in football since my earliest memories, who better to play for than a figure like George Halas, the man who kickstarted it all? I just felt that everything fell into place for a reason.”
When asked about the fierceness and fervor for which he was renowned, Butkus remarked, “I believed that was the standard way everyone should play. However, I suppose they differed because they contended that I had a distinctive playing style. You strive to intimidate your opponent, delivering hard hits that make them prioritize evading blows over holding onto the ball. If this stood out, then I guess others weren’t doing it as much.”
An interesting sidelight to Butkus’ career was a late-game scenario in 1971 against Washington, where the Bears, in a 15-15 deadlock, sought an extra point. Amidst a challenging snap, Bobby Douglass orchestrated a maneuver to the left and hoisted the ball into the end zone to Butkus, who skillfully caught the pass, granting the Bears an exhilarating 16-15 triumph.
Post his tenure with the Bears, Butkus transitioned into a sought-after actor, gracing numerous movies and television shows—often alongside his fellow football alum, Bubba Smith. Butkus acquired recurring roles on TV productions such as “My Two Dads,” “Vega$,” “MacGyver,” and “Hang Time.” His cinematic credits encompassed “Brian’s Song” (playing himself), “The Longest Yard,” “Johnny Dangerously,” “Necessary Roughness,” and “Any Given Sunday.”
Butkus extended his endorsement to several products, prominently featuring in a series of commercials for Miller Lite, alongside other former professional athletes.
Throughout his adult years, Butkus generously supported various charitable causes. He founded and operated the Butkus Foundation, instituting the Butkus Award to honor the nation’s preeminent linebacker in professional, collegiate, and high school football. Additionally, the Hall of Famer initiated the Dick Butkus Center for Cardiovascular Wellness, a nonprofit entity headquartered in Orange County, Calif., pioneering a cardiac screening program utilizing specialized tests to identify individuals at risk of heart disease and sudden cardiac demise.
Furthermore, the Butkus Foundation spearheads the “I Play Clean Campaign,” aimed at educating and motivating high school athletes to adopt sound training regimens and dietary habits without resorting to illicit steroids and other performance-enhancing agents. Dick Butkus’ impact extends far beyond the football field, leaving an indelible mark in the hearts of fans and the broader