Legendary former Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus has died at the age of 80.
After being taken with the 3rd selection out of Illinois in the 1965 NFL Draft, he played nine years with the Bears during his NFL career, earning numerous accolades including eight Pro Bowl selections along with five first-team All Pro selections. His No. 51 was retired by the Bears as well.
"The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California," a statement posted to X (formerly Twitter) read.
"The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support."
"Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.
"We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game. The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers. 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.
"We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life."
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