Dick Butkus, fearsome Hall of Fame Chicago Bears linebacker, dies at 80
He was a first-team All-Pro selection five times and made the Pro Bowl in eight of his nine seasons
CHICAGO (AP) — Fearsome Chicago Bears middle linebacker Dick Butkus has died at 80.
The team announced his death on Thursday, saying in a statement that his family confirmed he died in his sleep overnight at his home in Malibu, California. Butkus was a Hall of Famer whose bone-rattling tackles made him one of the most intimidating players in NFL history. He was the quintessential modern linebacker, a disruptive force who roamed sideline to sideline and left a trail of broken opponents behind. Despite a short career in which he retired at 31, Butkus came to define his position. He later acted in movies, TV shows and commercials.
According to a statement released by the team, Butkus’ family confirmed that he died in his sleep overnight at his home in Malibu, California.
Butkus was a Hall of Famer whose bone-rattling tackles made him one of the most intimidating players in NFL history. He was the quintessential modern linebacker, a disruptive force who roamed sideline to sideline and left a trail of broken opponents behind.
He was a first-team All-Pro selection five times and made the Pro Bowl in eight of his nine seasons before knee injuries forced his retirement at age 31. Despite a short career, Butkus came to define his position. He routinely ranks among the NFL’s top 100 players.
