Dick Butkus, the legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, has died, his circle of relatives stated. He used to be 80.
Butkus “died peacefully” in his sleep in a single day at his house in Malibu, California, his circle of relatives stated in a observation Thursday.
“The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen,” the observation persisted. “They appreciate your prayers and support.”
(*80*)Retired Chicago Bears linebacker and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dick Butkus poses for pictures on July 8, 1993.
Paul Spinelli by means of AP
Bears chairman George McCaskey stated Butkus used to be “one of the greatest players in NFL history” and exuded “toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership.”
“His legacy of philanthropy included a mission of ridding performance enhancing drugs from sports and promoting heart health,” McCaskey stated in a observation. “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.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated Butkus used to be a “fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats.”
“Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears,” Goodell stated in a observation.
Goodell additionally known Butkus’ paintings to advance well being and wellness thru his basis.
“The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers,” Goodell stated. “Dick was a champion of clean sports as his ‘I Play Clean’ campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes.”
(*80*)Dick Butkus #51 of the Chicago Bears at heart linebacker in a circa early 1970’s NFL soccer recreation at Soldier box in Chicago.
Focus On Sport/Getty Images
The Chicago local performed for the Bears beginning in 1965 till his retirement in 1973. He used to be named first-team All-NFL six occasions and performed in 8 consecutive Pro Bowls.
He used to be additionally known because the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year two times.
His occupation totals incorporated 1,020 tackles and 489 assists.
(*80*)Dick Butkus #51 of the Chicago Bears at the bench in opposition to the Green Bay Packers in a circa mid 1960’s NFL soccer recreation at Lambeau frield in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Focus On Sport/Getty Images
Butkus used to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, his first yr of eligibility.
The University of Illinois graduate used to be additionally inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
Following his retirement from soccer, Butkus additionally had a occupation within the leisure trade, showing in movies together with “Any Given Sunday” and “Necessary Roughness” and the tv displays “My Two Dads” and “Hang Time.”
Butkus is survived via his spouse of greater than 60 years, Helen, who used to be his highschool sweetheart, 3 kids and 5 grandchildren.
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