Butkus, Dick (1942-2023), ranks among the greatest linebackers in the history of professional football. Butkus played his entire professional career with the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He was famous for his hard hitting and fierce competitive spirit.
Richard Marvin Butkus was born in Chicago on Dec. 9, 1942. He attended the University of Illinois from 1961 to 1965 and played both center and linebacker. He was an All-American his final two years in college. Butkus was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1965. A knee injury forced him to retire after the 1973 season. Butkus was named to the Pro Bowl in eight of his nine seasons. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 and to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
After retiring as a player, Butkus was a television analyst for Chicago Bears games for several seasons. He also turned to acting and appeared on several television programs and in made-for-TV movies. Butkus died on Oct. 5, 2023.
