Legendary NFL linebacker Dick Butkus, known for his intimidating style of play, passed away at his home on Thursday at the age of 80.
Paramedics responded to a call regarding cardiac arrest at his residence in Malibu, as reported by TMZ. Upon their arrival, Butkus was pronounced dead at the scene.
Butkus had an illustrious career as a middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears, spanning nine seasons after being selected in the first round of the 1965 NFL Draft from the University of Illinois.
Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 245 pounds, he made a significant impact on the field.
Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/8UEVuuZLwi
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 5, 2023
He was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times out of his nine seasons and finished with over 1,000 tackles and 22 interceptions, when a knee injury forced his retirement from the league at 31.
Throughout his impressive career, Butkus earned numerous accolades, including six All-NFL selections, two Defensive Player of the Year honors, and eight Pro Bowls.
He was such an aggressive player, he was known by nicknames that spoke to his on the field prowess including, “The Maestro of Mayhem,” “The Enforcer,” “The Animal,” and “The Robot of Destruction.”
His remarkable contributions led to his inclusion in the NFL’s All-Decade teams for the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the esteemed 75th and 100th Anniversary teams.
In 1979, his first year of eligibility, Butkus was rightfully enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
After his NFL career ended, “The Most Feared Man in the Game” went on to appear in feature films and television series including football flicks “The Longest Yard” in 1974, and Oliver Stone’s “Any Given Sunday” in 1999.
"I want to let 'em know that they've been hit…to say, 'must have been Butkus that got me.'"
Rest in peace to a great man, and one of the most ferocious players ever to put on a helmet. pic.twitter.com/YeahO0FfL0
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) October 5, 2023
“Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement on Thursday.
“Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears,” he continued.
“We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game.”
The rest of the NFL community paid touching tribute to the legendary hall of famer on Thursday night.
“Very saddened to hear the news of the passing of the Legend Dick Butkus,” wrote fellow former Bears’ standout linebacker Brian Urlacher.
“I have so much respect for this man and the way he treated me,” he captioned a black and white photo of number 51. “The Bears family lost a Legend today. RIP Butkus!”
Jarrett Payton, the son of Walter Payton, a famed running back for the Chicago Bears from 1975 to 1987, posted a memorial on X, formerly Twitter.
Dick Butkus wasn’t just one of the greatest football players to ever play the game, he was a remarkable man. He was always there for me when I needed him. Now, these 3 #Bears legends are in heaven, sharing a drink, getting ready to watch the #TNF game from the best seats. Here's… pic.twitter.com/dzKa8n5p7x
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) October 5, 2023
“Dick Butkus wasn’t just one of the greatest football players to ever play the game, he was a remarkable man,” Payton stated.
His post included his father, Butkus, and Gale Sayers, who played for the Bears from 1965 to 1971.
“He was always there for me when I needed him. Now, these 3 #Bears legends are in heaven, sharing a drink, getting ready to watch the #TNF game from the best seats. Here’s to you, @thedickbutkus. Your spirit will live on forever.”
Chicago Bears chairman George H. McCaskey issued a lengthy statement on behalf of the team.
“Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history,” he began.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 5, 2023
“He was Chicago’s son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidentally, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership.”
“He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates,” the X post continued.
“His contributions to the game he loved will live forever and we are grateful he was able to be at our home opener this year to be celebrated one last time by his many fans.”
Butkus is survived by his wife, Helen and three children, Ricky, Matt, and Nikki.