Chicago Bears and NFL legend Dick Butkus has died, the team announced via a statement from his family.
He was 80 years old.
“The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California,” the statement on X read. “The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support.”
A two-time All-American at the University of Illinois, Butkus, a Chicago native, was an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro in the NFL and is widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in the history of the game and helped revolutionize the position.
Despite being limited to nine seasons due to knee issues, his 27 fumble recoveries remain a Bears franchise record.
“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,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement.
“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.”
A two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, and his iconic No. 51 was retired in 1994.