R.I.P. Dick Butkus 🙏

10/06/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Remembering Bears Legend Dick Butkus, an NFL Hall of Famer & “The Most Feared Man in the Game”

Prior to the Bears’ win on Thursday Night Football, Chicago mourned a legend. Dick Butkus, a Bears icon and Hall of Fame linebacker in the 70s, passed away in his sleep at the age of 80. Butkus was synonymous with Chicago football, much like Brian Urlacher, Walter Payton, and Mike Ditka. He was a ferocious middle linebacker who could take partial credit for football’s rise to the forefront of sports during the 60s and 70s.

Butkus once graced the cover of Sports Illustrated with the headline, “The Most Feared Man in the Game.” Other teams’ ball carriers frequented the medical tent, and many failed to see the final whistle. But Butkus wasn’t mean off the field. On the contrary. He was beloved by Chicago, and rightfully so. Butkus grew up in the Windy City and played college football at the nearby University of Illinois before spending his entire pro career with the Bears (1965-1973). A Chicago legend, through and through. He played before sacks were officially recorded. Total tackles weren’t traceable either, but Butkus logged 22 interceptions, 27 fumble recoveries, and missed just seven games over nine seasons.

He was a a five-time All-Pro, an eight-time Pro Bowler, and the marquee Monster of the Midway before being elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. RIP, Dick Butkus.

USA Today: Dick Butkus Was Brutal, Fierce & Mean on the Field… He Was the NFL

Photo: Dylan Buell / Getty Images