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NFL Network ranked the most feared tacklers in league history in 2009. No. 1 on the list was Dick Butkus. There could have been no other choice for the top spot.
Butkus’ name has become synonymous with the violent side of football: fear and intimidation. Butkus was also synonymous with greatness at middle linebacker, and in many ways the NFL itself.
Butkus, the longtime Chicago Bears star, died at age 80. , via the Bears, said he died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Malibu, California.
Bears chairman George McCaskey released a statement honoring Butkus.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement on Thursday night, too.
"Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL's all-time greats," Goodell said. "Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.
"We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game. The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers. Dick was a champion of clean sports as his 'I Play Clean' campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes.
"We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life."
Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. It was an easy pick, because it’s hard to imagine writing the history of the game without Butkus.
Dick Butkus was a star at every level
Butkus started to become a household name at the University of Illinois. Playing center and linebacker, he led the Illini to a 17-7 win over Washington in the 1964 Rose Bowl. That is Illinois’ last Rose Bowl win. The Dick Butkus Award is now given to the top linebacker in college football each year.
Butkus was a high draft pick of the AFL’s Denver Broncos (ninth overall) and the NFL’s Chicago Bears (third overall), but the allure of playing for his hometown Bears was strong. He signed with the Bears, and was a star from the start.
Butkus was a first-team All-Pro as a rookie in 1965, as was teammate Gale Sayers. Butkus and Sayers were the first rookie teammates in NFL history to both be named All-Pro, and that record wasn’t matched until 2018.
Butkus was the epitome of violence in football
Butkus was more than just a fierce hitter. He had five interceptions as a rookie and finished with 22 picks in his career.
He was a fantastic all-around player.
But everyone remembers him as a vicious tackler.
https://sports.yahoo.com/dick-butku...kers-in-nfl-history-dies-at-80-223149911.html
Rest in Peace
The Butkus Award
Butkus’ name has become synonymous with the violent side of football: fear and intimidation. Butkus was also synonymous with greatness at middle linebacker, and in many ways the NFL itself.
Butkus, the longtime Chicago Bears star, died at age 80. , via the Bears, said he died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Malibu, California.
Bears chairman George McCaskey released a statement honoring Butkus.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement on Thursday night, too.
"Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL's all-time greats," Goodell said. "Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.
"We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game. The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers. Dick was a champion of clean sports as his 'I Play Clean' campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes.
"We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life."
Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. It was an easy pick, because it’s hard to imagine writing the history of the game without Butkus.
Dick Butkus was a star at every level
Butkus started to become a household name at the University of Illinois. Playing center and linebacker, he led the Illini to a 17-7 win over Washington in the 1964 Rose Bowl. That is Illinois’ last Rose Bowl win. The Dick Butkus Award is now given to the top linebacker in college football each year.
Butkus was a high draft pick of the AFL’s Denver Broncos (ninth overall) and the NFL’s Chicago Bears (third overall), but the allure of playing for his hometown Bears was strong. He signed with the Bears, and was a star from the start.
Butkus was a first-team All-Pro as a rookie in 1965, as was teammate Gale Sayers. Butkus and Sayers were the first rookie teammates in NFL history to both be named All-Pro, and that record wasn’t matched until 2018.
Butkus was the epitome of violence in football
Butkus was more than just a fierce hitter. He had five interceptions as a rookie and finished with 22 picks in his career.
He was a fantastic all-around player.
But everyone remembers him as a vicious tackler.
https://sports.yahoo.com/dick-butku...kers-in-nfl-history-dies-at-80-223149911.html
Rest in Peace
The Butkus Award
