Dick Butkus Death Cause: On Tuesday evening in Malibu, California, Dick Butkus, one of the finest middle linebackers in NFL history and a Chicago Bears legend, handed away peacefully in his sleep. He was 80 years of age.
The news of his death was once disclosed via the Bears by way of a remark from his circle of relatives on Wednesday morning. The observation did not specify the proper cause of death, nevertheless it did point out that Butkus have been experiencing a wide range of well being problems in recent years.
“Dick was once a loving husband, father, grandfather and pal to many,” the commentary learn. “He was additionally a fierce competitor, a loyal teammate and a passionate suggest for the sport of soccer. He lived his lifestyles with dignity and grace, and we will be able to miss him dearly.”
Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it method to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts pass out to his circle of relatives and pals. pic.twitter.com/8UEVuuZLwi
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 5, 2023
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A Chicago Native and a College Star
Butkus used to be born on December 9, 1942, in Chicago and raised in the Roseland neighborhood. He excelled at football, basketball, and baseball throughout his time at Chicago Vocational High School. He gained a scholarship to play football for the Fighting (*80*) at the University of Illinois, the place he was a sensation.
Butkus played both offense and defense at Illinois, but he made his have an effect on as a linebacker. He was once a two-time consensus All-American, a three-time All-Big Ten selection, and the 1964 Chicago Tribune Silver Football Award recipient for probably the most precious participant in the conference. In 1964, he also completed 3rd in the voting for the Heisman Trophy.
Butkus contributed to Illinois’ 1963 Big Ten championship and 1964 Rose Bowl victory. 1983 marked his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.
A Legacy of Excellence and Respect
Butkus is extensively thought to be one of the finest football gamers of all time. His name is synonymous with excellence in the position of linebacker. Both Illinois and Chicago have decommissioned his number 51 jersey. Outside of Soldier Field, where he performed home games for the Bears, his statue stands.
Butkus is also remembered as a credible leader and a dedicated comrade. With his devotion and commitment to the game, he impressed generations of avid gamers who got here after him. He was counseled by way of his colleagues, coaches, and warring parties for his athleticism and sportsmanship.
Numerous tributes have poured in from all corners of the sporting neighborhood to commemorate Butkus’ life and legacy. Here are some examples:
George H. McCaskey, Bears chairman: “Dick was once the ultimate Bear and one of the best gamers in NFL historical past. He used to be a true son of Chicago. He embodied what our nice town stands for, and now not through coincidence, what George Halas sought in a participant: toughness, intelligence, instincts, hobby and management.”
Roger Goodell, NFL commissioner: “Dick Butkus was once a soccer legend, a ferocious competitor, and a Hall of Famer who left an indelible mark on the NFL and football fanatics far and wide. On and off the sphere, he used to be a pace-setter, a champion for the sport, and a task type for generations of enthusiasts and athletes. His circle of relatives, friends, and all the Bears organization have our profound condolences.”
Mike Ditka, former Bears participant and coach: “Dick Butkus used to be the best football player I ever noticed. He played the game how it used to be intended to be played. He was once a pace-setter, a mentor and a friend to me. He was once like a brother to me. I will omit him extraordinarily.”
Former Bears linebacker and Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher: “Dick Butkus was once my youth icon. I aspired to play linebacker for the Bears as a result of of him. He was the best aggregate of participant and particular person. He used to be sturdy, clever, passionate, and modest. He used to be at all times encouraging and supportive. To me, he was a legend and a hero.”
Ray Lewis, former Ravens linebacker and Hall of Famer: “Dick Butkus used to be one of the greatest linebackers of all time. He set the usual for tips on how to play the position along with his depth, physicality and instincts. He was a warrior at the field and a gentleman off it. He had a huge affect on my occupation and my lifestyles. He used to be a legend and a mentor to me.”
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A Successful Career After Football
After leaving football, Butkus pursued acting and broadcasting careers. He gave the impression in a number of films and tv methods, together with “Brian’s Song,” “The Longest Yard,” “Gremlins,” “My Two Dads,” and “Hang Time.” Additionally, he served as a color commentator for NBC and CBS.
Additionally, Butpersonal remained all for soccer as a coach and an advocate. In 1984, he used to be the linebackers coach for the Chicago Blitz of the USFL. In addition, he established the Butkus Foundation, which promotes health and wellness among younger athletes and awards an annual trophy to the finest faculty football linebacker.
Butkus is survived via his 1963-married wife Helen, his three children Rick, Nikki, and Matt, and 9 grandchildren.
A Timeline of His Life and Career
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1942 | Born in Chicago on December 9 |
| 1960 | Graduated from Chicago Vocational High School |
| 1961-1964 | Played football at Illinois |
| 1964 | Won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football award; completed third within the Heisman Trophy vote casting |
| 1965 | Drafted through the Bears with the third general select; named NFL Rookie of the Year |
| 1965-1973 | Played for the Bears; earned 8 Pro Bowl picks and five first-team All-Pro honors |
| 1970 | Suffered a knee harm that hampered his profession |
| 1973 | Retired from soccer |
| 1979 | Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame |
| 1981 | Settled a lawsuit with the Bears and their workforce doctor over his knee harm |
| 1983 | Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame |
| 1984 | Coached linebackers for the Chicago Blitz of the USFL |
| 1985 | Founded the Butkus Foundation |
| 1999 | Voted as one of the 100 Greatest Players in NFL History |
| 2023 | Died at his home in Malibu on October 5 |
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