Legendary Chicago Bears linebacker, Dick Butkus, passed away on Oct. 5, 2023 at the age of 80. Prior to yesterday’s game, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, released a statement about the Hall of Famer’s passing.
Goodell described Butkus as “a fierce and passionate competitor.” Then, he acknowledged the late player “helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats.” Butkus’ athleticism, intuition, and toughness “made him the model linebacker.”
Growing Up
The legendary Bears player was born on Dec. 9, 1942, in Chicago’s South Side neighborhood of Fernwood. Being the youngest of nine children, he learned to work hard for what he wanted. Coming from a big family helped him prepare for competitors he faced for his spot in life.
Looking back on his early years, Butkus stated, “I worked hard at becoming one [a football player], just like society says you should. It said you had to be fierce. I was fierce. Tough. I was tough.”
It wasn’t until he attended Chicago Vocational High School when his drive to achieve and ferocious intensity was recognized. His tenacity to become a star athlete led him to the University of Illinois. By his junior year (1963), Butkus had already made 145 tackles and forced 10 fumbles. His achievements helped lead his team to the Big Ten Championship.
Illinois ranked third in the nation that season allowing them to defeat Washington in the Rose Bowl, 17-7. By 1964, Butkus’ dedication to football earned him the right to be named All-American. His ability to not only defend his team as a linebacker but to help out the offense as center was astonishing.
Chicago Bears Draft Butkus
His great talent earned him recognition far and wide, which caught the attention of the NFL. In 1965, Butkus was drafted into the professional league by his home team the Chicago Bears. Adding his to their roster gave the Midway a brand-new lease on their future.
Butkus’ strong work ethic mixed with years of training led him to greatness. Donning his iconic jersey “Number 51” he stepped out onto the field to record 11 solo tackles his first game. His rookie year dramatically altered the Bears by reversing their hardships and improving their defense. He had been a top contender for NFL Rookie of the Year honors, but his fellow teammate, Gale Sayers, snagged it. They had been drafted the same year.
His entire professional career, Butkus played for the Chicago Bears. From 1965 to 1973, his quick paced, grizzly bear-like movements earned him numerous individual awards. In fact, he received two Defensive Player of the Year honors, six All-NFL selections, and eight Pro Bowls. Additionally, his style of play earned him many nicknames like:
- “The Enforcer.”
- “The Robot of Destruction.”
- “The Maestro of Mayhem.”
- And “The Animal.”
Honoring a Legend
Butkus’ great athleticism helped shape and inspire the dreams of future players. In honor of his great achievements, the University of Illinois retired his jersey “Number 50.” Additionally, he is one of the two players to ever receive such an honor. The other star is the great Harold “Red” Grange, who wore jersey “Number 77.”
In 1983, Butkus’ name was placed into the College Football Hall of Fame. To this day, his legacy is considered one of the greatest college football players of all time.
End of Football, Beginning of New Life
Injuries began taking a toll on Butkus’ knees by 1970. In fact, it was around that time when his first of knees injury occurred. After that, Murphey’s Law kicked in and the great athlete had a series of them. Unfortunately, as all athlete’s know, injuries of mass proportions means one never fully recovers.
After retiring from football, Butkus opened up a new chapter in life. Wanting to continue contributing to the brand he worked hard to build, he turned to acting. He worked in TV ads such as the long-running Miller Light commercial series. Butkus portrayed a good mannered tennis player who cheerfully debates the beer’s merits with fellow ex-NFL defensive star, Bubba Smith. Subsequently, the catchphrase from the commercials became a household saying: “Tastes Great! Less Filling!”
Furthermore, his outgoing, rugged persona can be found in the movies “Any Given Sunday” and “Necessary Roughness.” Not to mention he was a regular guest star on the TV series “Hang Time” and “My Two Dads.”
Gone But Never Forgotten
Through out all of his endeavors, Butkus never forgot the game he loved so much. In fact, he regularly posted his thoughts, reactions, and comments about the games on his social media page.
After dropping out of the lime light, he settled down with Helen, his wife of almost six decades. Together they raised their three daughters and watch their numerous grandchildren grow.
Butkus may not be her in the physical plain but he will always be in the heart of football.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
TMZ: NFL Legend Dick Butkus Dead At 80
Dick Butkus: WHO IS DICK BUTKUS?
IMDb: Dick Butkus
Featured Image Courtesy of Randall Kooistra‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
First Inset Image Courtesy of Jimmy Emerson, DVM‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Second Inset Image Courtesy of Alan Light‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Third Inset Image Courtesy of Matt McGee‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
