Dick Butkus, a former linebacker who played nine seasons with the Chicago Bears, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, October 5, according to a statement by the team. He was 80 years old.
Widely acclaimed as one of the greatest and most intimidating linebackers in the history of the NFL, Butkus spent his whole career with the Bears from 1965 to 1973.
During his illustrious career, Butkus won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award twice, earning First-Team All-Pro honors five times and receiving Pro Bowl invitations in eight of his nine seasons.
"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.
The Bears ranked Butkus as the second-greatest player in their franchise history in a list published in 2019.
A moment of silence to pay tribute to Butkus took place before the Bears faced off against the Washington Commanders on Thursday, October 5.
In response, the Bears secured a resounding 40-20 victory and dedicated their performance to the memory of the late, all-time great linebacker.
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Barack Obama reacts
Chicago native and former president Barack Obama reacted to the passing of the legendary linebacker.
"In Chicago, Dick Butkus was football. Thinking of his family today, and all the Bears fans who loved watching one of the best to ever play the game," the 62-year-old former chief executive said.
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