Legendary Bears Linebacker Dick Butkus passed away at the age of 80. From members of his family to high-ranking executives in the National Football League, the entire sport of football is mourning the loss of the hall of fame who was a star player during the most vital time in the history of the sport.
NFL Reporter Tom Pelissero shared news of his passing via a Tweet, including a statement from the Butkus family. The statement says, “The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California. The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support.”
No official cause of death has been released yet, although the family representative assured readers that additional information would be provided when more is known.
The man in charge of the NFL, Commissioner Roger Goodell, offered a statement of his own following Butkus’ passing. Goodell said, “Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats. Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.”
Goodell also wrote about the extensive impact that Butkus had on the NFL even after his playing days ended, saying, “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.”
Other players and league entities expressed their dismay at the passing of Butkus and shared their admiration for the man. The Chicago Bears Tweeted a graphic of Butkus, featuring the years of his life which spanned from 1942 to 2023. The team said, “Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”
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
The Chicago Bears captured their first win of the NFL season yesterday in a 40-20 victory over the Washington Commanders. The death of Butkus seemed to be a rallying cry for the team as they came out firing from the very first whistle and didn’t slow down until the game ended.
One fan on X hilariously compared the spirit of the two teams, saying, “Bears playing with the spirit of Dick Butkus Commanders playing like they have the spirit of Mitch McConnell and and Joe Biden.”
Butkus’ passing marks a nearing end of an era in NFL football, when the game was tougher and scrappier and less was known about player injuries and injury prevention. He impacted the game and those who watched it in so many positive ways that it is no surprise we are seeing such a massive outpouring of support today.
Featured image: Here, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
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