Remembering the Legendary Dick Butkus: A Chicago Bears Icon

Dick Butkus, a name that resonates with football enthusiasts and bears a legacy as one of the most ferocious defensive players in NFL history, has passed away at the age of 80. Hailing from the heart of Chicago, Dick Butkus left an indelible mark on the world of football and entertainment. The Butkus family released the following statement: "The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment icon Dick Butkus peacefully passed away at his Malibu home last night. The Butkus family is mourning his passing, and they appreciate your prayers and support."

Dick Butkus had a reputation for his ferocious style of play, but it was likely his soft touch that brought him together with his wife, Helen. They are survived by their children and grandchildren, and our hearts go out to their family in this difficult time." Butkus played in every NFL season from 1965 to 1973 with the Bears, earning a place as one of the franchise's most beloved players. He was known as an intimidating and relentless force on the field, combining athleticism, aggression, and a knack for leadership.

Dick Butkus quotes

"If I had a favourite, I would have gladly gone against Green Bay one after another," Butkus once said of facing the Packers, harking back to the fierce Bears-Packers rivalry. "I pray that every time Butkus hit me, he lifted me up." "Dick was a beast," former NFL defensive end Deacon Jones once said of the legendary linebacker. “ He was a conditioned animal, and as many times as he hit you, he tried to put you in the cemetery, not the hospital."

Butkus' exceptional football skills were matched by his character. He set an NFL record with 26 fumble recoveries, a record that still stands, and his 22 career interceptions as a linebacker tied him with Brian Urlacher for 11th in Bears history. In 2019, the Chicago Bears celebrated their centennial with the publication of "Chicago Bears Centennial Scrapbook," where Hall of Fame writer Dan Pompei and Don Pierson placed Butkus second only to the franchise's legendary wall, Walter Payton. Butkus told ChicagoBears.com during the Bears100 Celebration in Rosemont in 2019 that he felt fortunate to have played in his hometown. "I feel very lucky. My mom and dad probably saw about 95% of the games because they were here in Chicago, so it was good for my family, and I enjoyed it."

"I played for the city I thought it was because I don't think many players did that," Butkus said when asked about his reputation for violence and intensity. "But my thought was that they all should have. You try to let the guy know you're playing against that you're not afraid and that you hit him hard enough so that he starts thinking about getting hit again soon and forgets about holding onto the ball." One memorable moment in Butkus' career didn't involve defence at all. It was in 1971 when the Bears attempted a late-game field goal against Washington. The snap was botched, and Bobbie Douglass, the holder, scrambled left and found the ball spinning on the ground, only to pitch it to Butkus, who was waiting on his left. Butkus caught the pitch and dove into the end zone for a 16-15 Bears victory. After retiring from the Bears, Butkus went on to become a popular actor, appearing in several movies.

Basic information about Butkus

Dick Butkus net worth: At the time Dick Butkus death his net worth $18 million. He had earned this huge amount money from professional football, sports commentator and acting.

Dick Butkus wife: In the years 1963 Butkus was married Helen Essen hart.

Dick Butkus children: Butkus and Helen has three children- Matt Butkus, Nikki Butkus, Richard M. Butkus jr.

Jersey no: when Butkus retired from Chicago Bears his jersey no was 51.

Nickname: Butkus was also known as The Animal, The Enforcer, Maestro of Mayhem, The Robot of Destruction.

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