It is with heavy hearts that we report the passing of NFL legend Dick Butkus at the age of 80. The Butkus family confirmed this sad news in a statement, marking the end of an era in football history. Paramedics rushed to Butkus’s Malibu residence at 12:51 pm on Thursday in response to a medical emergency, as reported by TMZ. Tragically, the former linebacker was declared dead at the scene.
According to reports, Butkus was found unresponsive when someone went to check on him at his property. The Butkus family later issued a statement confirming his peaceful passing at home in Malibu, California.
“The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California,” the family statement read.
Dick Butkus was not just a football player; he was a symbol of Chicago and a pillar of the NFL. His legacy transcended the football field, and his impact on the game and the community will never be forgotten.
Dick Butkus, a Chicago native, was hailed as one of the NFL’s greatest linebackers of all time. He was the embodiment of the Chicago Bears’ spirit and a symbol of the city itself. His name became synonymous with toughness, smarts, instincts, passion, and leadership.
The Chicago Bears released a statement saying, “Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. 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. He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself or from his teammates.”
Butkus had a gruff exterior, but beneath it was a man with a soft touch. His legacy extended beyond the field, with a focus on philanthropy. He was passionate about eradicating performance-enhancing drugs from sports and promoting heart health.
The Bears expressed their gratitude that Butkus was able to attend their home opener just last month, allowing his many fans to celebrate him one last time.
Dick Butkus had an illustrious career that cemented his status as one of the greatest players in NFL history. He began his football journey at the University of Illinois before being selected as the third overall pick in the 1965 NFL draft by his hometown team, the Chicago Bears.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 245 pounds, Butkus spent his entire NFL career with the Bears, retiring in 1973. His contribution to the team was so profound that the Bears retired his No. 51 jersey in 1994.
Throughout his remarkable career, Butkus earned six All-NFL selections, two Defensive Player of the Year honors, and was selected to eight Pro Bowls.
Butkus was not just a great player; he was one of the most intimidating figures to ever grace the football field. His style of play earned him several nicknames, including “The Maestro of Mayhem,” “The Enforcer,” “The Animal,” and “The Robot of Destruction.”
His statistics were equally impressive, with 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions, and 27 fumble recoveries over nine seasons.
He was named to the NFL’s All-Decade teams in both the 1960s and 1970s, and his influence on the game was further recognized with his inclusion in the NFL’s 75th and 100th Anniversary teams.
In 1979, his first year of eligibility, Butkus was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, an honor that solidified his place in football history.
Even after retiring from professional football, Butkus continued to follow the NFL closely. He worked as an analyst for CBS, providing insights and analysis on the game he loved. In recent years, he also shared his thoughts on football through social media, amassing a large following.
Just last month, Butkus made a heartwarming appearance at the Bears’ game, where he was celebrated as a member of the Bears alumni during halftime of Chicago’s season opener against the Green Bay Packers.
In an interview during the game, Butkus expressed his joy at being back in Chicago and his confidence in the Bears defeating the Packers.
Dick Butkus wasn’t confined to the football field. He showcased his talents in the world of entertainment, starring in a number of films and TV shows, including “Any Given Sunday,” “Hang Time,” and “The Last Boy Scout.”
Butkus’s journey in football began on the South Side of Chicago, where he grew up as a fan of the then-Chicago Cardinals. His older brother, Ron, also pursued football, but a knee injury led to his early retirement.
Butkus’s personal life was marked by his enduring love story with his high school sweetheart, Helen, whom he married in 1963. The couple had three children together, and