The NFL world received some sad news on Thursday with the revelation that Chicago Bears icon Dick Butkus had died at 80.
TMZ Sports was first to break the news that paramedics responded to a call at Butkus’ Malibu home on Thursday after a neighbor reportedly checked on the Hall-of-Famer and found him unresponsive. Once medical technicians reached the home at 12:51 PM PT, the football legend was unfortunately pronounced dead at the scene.
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Following the news, the Chicago Bears released a statement remembering the uniquely talented player and individual that Butkus was.
“Dick had a gruff manner, and maybe that kept some people from approaching him, but he actually had a soft touch. His legacy of philanthropy included a mission of ridding performance-enhancing drugs from sports and promoting heart health,” the statement read. “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.”
The standout from the University of Illinois was taken by his hometown team with the third pick overall in the 1965 NFL Draft. Over nine injury-shortened seasons for the Bears, Butkus became a transformative figure that revolutionized the linebacker position. He earned Pro Bowl honors in each season except his final year in 1973 and the five-time All-Pro ended up being one of the few bright sides during a very lean period in Bears history.
Dick Butkus had over 1,000 tackles and 22 interceptions during nine seasons in NFL
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He tallied 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions, 11 sacks, and 27 fumble recoveries, which was an NFL record for a defensive player at the time of his retirement, in 119 games. Butkus’ travails as a linebacker are so legendary that he actually has an award named after him that is given to elite players at the position in the high school and collegiate ranks.
Along with being named to the NFL’s all-decade teams in the 1960s and 70s, the Chicago native also had a solid career in media and on-screen after his days in the league came to an end. He became known to many football fans who did not see him play when he appeared in commercials for Miller Lite, Prestone, and Visa. He also earned roles in a dozen movies and television shows, including a memorable spot as a defensive coach in “Any Given Sunday” He also served for a time as an analyst for CBS.
Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame in 1979 and was chosen to the league’s 75th and 100th-anniversary teams.