Sadly, the legendary Dick Butkus has passed away at age 80.
The iconic middle linebacker passed away peacefully in his sleep. Considered the most feared player in NFL history, Butkus became a Chicago Bears legend during his illustrious nine-year career.
He was known league-wide for his bone-crushing tackles, intimidating presence, and take-no-prisoners attitude on the football field.
In a statement released through the Bears, Butkus’ family confirmed his passing, saying, “Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history.” The family shared that he “died peacefully in his sleep overnight” at his home in Malibu, California.
Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/8UEVuuZLwi
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 5, 2023
Reflecting on Butkus’ legacy, Chicago Bears team chairman George McCaskey remarked: “He was Chicago’s son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidentally, what George Halas looks for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion, and leadership.”
McCaskey added: “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.”
Oh No!
Terrible news. I was unaware he was ill. He tweeted in recent days and was at Soldier Field earlier this season.
There isn't even a 2nd thought that he was the fiercest and most violent football player I've ever seen.
RIP to the ultimate Monster of the Midway.
— GrandOLTeam (@JBLuvsCeltic) October 5, 2023
Last night, the Bears played the Washington Commanders in front of a national audience on Thursday Night Football.
Clearly inspired by Butkus’ passing, the Bears played their best game of the season and knocked off the host-Commanders 40-20 upset victory.
The Bears paid tribute to Dick Butkus with a moment of silence before their game vs. the Commanders. pic.twitter.com/h3ppgEpOAg
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 6, 2023
“We played for him tonight,” Bears quarterback Justin Fields said after the win.
"We played for him tonight"@justnfields paid tribute to the legendary Dick Butkus after a great @ChicagoBears win.#TNFonPrime pic.twitter.com/Ic1HHpwdOc
— NFL on Prime Video (@NFLonPrime) October 6, 2023
Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones once described Butkus as a “maniac” and a “well-conditioned animal.”
Butkus was known for wanting to send a message with every tackle, once stating: “I want to just let ’em know that they’ve been hit, and when they get up, they don’t have to look to see who it was that hit ’em.”
Dick Butkus was the epitome of what a middle linebacker should be.
He was the hardest-hitting and nastiest player every time he stepped on the field. RIP to one of the greatest #Bears, but also one of the best pure football players of all time. pic.twitter.com/j7m5aaT2UL
— Jacob Infante (@jacobinfante24) October 5, 2023
Butkus, who made the Pro Bowl eight times in his career, was forced to retire at the age of 31 due to a chronic knee injury in 1974.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell paid tribute to Butkus, calling him “a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats.”
He is with out a doubt the most scary and intimidating presence to ever play football. He is beyond approach. Him and Lawrence Taylor. The 2 greatest defenders in pro football history.
— The wonder of it all (@wonderofitall7) October 6, 2023
Butkus’ remarkable career included 1,020 tackles and 22 interceptions, earning him first-team All-Pro honors five times, the George Halas Award in 1974, and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1979.
He was also a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and was named to the NFL’s all-decade teams in the 1960’s and 1970’s … Butkus was also a member of the league’s 75th and 100th-anniversary all-time teams.
Looks like they were playing on painted concrete. Todays players are soft. Glad I saw the heyday on the nfl in the 70’s 80’s and 90’s.
— Iowa Leonard (@Trump472024) October 5, 2023
Born on December 9, 1942, as the youngest of eight children, Butkus grew up on Chicago’s South Side and played high school football at Chicago Vocational High School.
He went on to excel at the University of Illinois, where he played both center and linebacker, earning All-America honors and finishing third in Heisman Trophy voting during his senior season.
This is Mick. I just learned of the passing of @ChicagoBears LB Dick Butkus. My favorite all-time player. I grew up with a poster of Butkus on my wall, and he signed it for me on the one occasion we met. A true legend. #RIPDickButkus pic.twitter.com/F8PCTPkHbQ
— Mick Foley (@foleyispod) October 5, 2023
Selected by the Bears as the third overall pick in the 1965 NFL draft, Butkus quickly became a dominant force on the field, hitting runners with authority and leaving an indelible mark on the game.
Sports Illustrated once hailed him as “The Most Feared Man in the Game.”
If you are going to talk about Dick Butkus, this is how you do it. When we say "Monsters of Midway" we are talking about #51
RIP to a Legend pic.twitter.com/Z6B50IsQGM
— Phill W Hill (@ThrillWHill) October 5, 2023
Despite playing for only two winning teams with the Bears and never making the playoffs, Butkus remained a beloved figure in the franchise’s history.
After retiring, he temporarily clashed with the team in a lawsuit but eventually reconciled and became a passionate supporter of the Bears.
Dick Butkus was not only a Legend, he was my Idol. Loved his Frankness, Toughness, and the Inspiration he was for me! You set the Standard for the role of a MLB! Love you Dick ❤️ pic.twitter.com/a2eJjomxrp
— Bill Cowher (@CowherCBS) October 6, 2023
Through the Butkus Foundation, he dedicated himself to various philanthropic causes, including encouraging early screenings for heart disease, promoting healthy lifestyles for high school athletes, and supporting the Butkus Award, which honors college football’s best linebackers.
When men were freaking men, god bless Dick Butkus, RIP, hero!
— Grizzly65 (@Grizzly6515) October 6, 2023
Beyond his football career, Butkus ventured into acting, appearing in films like “Brian’s Song” and “The Longest Yard,” as well as television shows such as “My Two Dads” and “Hang Time.”
(Hang Time was incredible by the way.)
He also became a well-known figure in commercials, most notably in the Miller Lite ads with Bubba Smith.
Throwback to this epic Dick Butkus exchange
RIP to a great one pic.twitter.com/ck9m6FLZWy
— John Hasson (@SonofHas) October 5, 2023
Butkus had a brief career as a sports broadcaster and served as a color analyst for Bears games, continuing his connection to the sport he loved.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame lowered its flags to half-staff in honor of Butkus, whose legacy as a football icon and philanthropist will continue to inspire generations to come.
He is survived by his wife, Helen, and children Ricky, Matt, and Nikki, with his nephew Luke Butkus having made a name for himself as a coach in college and the NFL, including time with the Bears.
R.I.P.
Where do you rank Butkus among the best defensive players of all-time?