Dick Butkus, the revered Hall of Fame quarterback for the Chicago Bears has died at the age of 80.
The death of the Chicago native, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, was confirmed by his family in a statement. Butkus achieved numerous awards throughout his football career, including being named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for both the 1960s and 1970s.
Fans Mourning Loss Of Legend Dick Butkus, Share Condolences On Social Media
Paramedics were called to Butkus’ Malibu home around 12:51 pm on Thursday, October 5th in response to a medical emergency. Sadly, the former linebacker was pronounced dead at the scene, with reports claiming he was found unresponsive during a welfare check at his residence.
His family later confirmed the sports commentator had died ‘peacefully’ overnight. They wrote in a brief announcement:
“The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus passed away 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.”
The news is expected to rock the world of many NFL fans and they made sure that they flooded the social media space with their thoughts and favorite memories about it.
Dick Butkus is a legend who embodies 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
“Dick Butkus giving the ball to a defender after a TD in 1971 was priceless. RIP,” one person written above a video of an iconic football moment, while another threw it back to “Dick Butkus’s epic exchange” with screenshot as evidence.
So did Bears wide receiver DJ Moore delivered“RIP Dick Butkus ?? Watching us Tonight,” and another fan called 2019 press conference held in honor of the dedication of the statue of the late NFL star “pure gold.”
“RIP Dick Butkus, #Bears legend. One of the most feared players in NFL history,” this NFL historian expressedand Turning Point USA founder, Charlie Kirk, posted, “RIP to Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus. They don’t make NFL players like that anymore.”
NFL analyst for CBS, Bill Cowher as well wasted, “Dick Butkus is not only a Legend, he is my Idol. Love her Honesty, Toughness, and Inspiration for me! You set the Standard for MLB roles! Love you Dick ❤️.”
“”I watched his highlight reel every day before I left my house to play in my High School Football game … He was the most feared, most resilient player to ever play the game.” @golic remembers Dick Butkus,” sixth X read.
NFL host Rich Eisen called Butkus “One of the all-time greats who personified the style of play of the franchise he played in and also for the city and state he played in.” After expressing his sadness at “the passing of one of the great men of all time, Eisen acknowledged the attached image, write:
“This photo is from my interview with Dick at the first ever NFL Draft in Chicago in 2015. What an honor and a pleasure. Rest in peace.”
ESPN host Mike Greenberg, add, “In the long, storied and illustrious history of pro football, there has been no greater legend, no name more revered, no man more feared. Rest in peace, Dick Butkus, and thank you for wowing us all every day of your life.”
1974 George Halas Award Winner Branches Out To Hollywood After His Football Retirement
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Butkus’ death was also addressed by Bears chairman George H. McCaskey, who communicated through a statement:
“Dick is the best Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He’s a Chicago boy. He exudes what our great city is about and, not coincidentally, what George Halas looks for in a player: tenacity, intelligence, instincts, passion and leadership.”
McCaskey admitted that the late professional football player “refused to accept anything less than his best from himself, or from his teammates.” After acknowledging the 80-year-old’s “rough ways” that seemed to deter “people from approaching him,” the 67-year-old claimed that “he actually has a soft touch.”
“His contribution to the game he loved will live on 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. Our condolences go out to Helen, Dick’s high school sweetheart and wife of 60 years, and their family,” the statement said.
During his illustrious career, Butkus achieved six All-NFL selections, two Player of the Year awards, and was selected to eight Pro Bowls. According to the Bears’ website, the pre-game style of “The NFL Today” host earned him various nicknames, including “The Maestro of Mayhem,” “The Enforcer,” “The Animal” and “The Robot of Destruction.”
After his retirement from football in 1973, Butkus turned to acting and became a well-known actor, appearing in various films and television shows such as “My Two Dads,” “MacGyver,” “Hang Time,” “Brian’s Song,” “The Longest Page ,” and “Any Sunday.”
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
