Dick Butkus, Chicago Bears Legend, Dies at 80
variety.comJ. Kim Murphy Dick Butkus, one of the most celebrated linebackers in NFL history who played eight seasons for the Chicago Bears before turning to a career as an actor and sports commentator, died Thursday in Malibu.
He was 80 years old. Butkus’ death was confirmed by the Chicago Tribune. A Chicago native, Butkus was drafted by his hometown team in 1965 after a breakthrough college football career that saw him lead the University of Illinois to a Rose Bowl victory in 1963.
During his time with the Bears, Butkus twice won defensive player of the year, appeared in eight Pro Bowls and was named to first-team All-Pro five times.
A towering 245 lb. linebacker, Butkus was a formidable defensive presence on the field. He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, with his No.
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