Dick Butkus
The most feared tackler of all time and the gold standard for middle linebackers.
Richard Marvin Butkus (December 9, 1942 – October 5, 2023) was an American professional football player, sports commentator, and actor. He was a linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) from 1965 to 1973. He was invited to eight Pro Bowls in nine seasons, named a first-team All-Pro five times, and was twice recognized by his peers as the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year. Butkus was renowned as a fierce tackler and for the relentless effort with which he played. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most intimidating linebackers in professional football history.
- Role
- Middle Linebacker
- Affiliation
- Chicago Bears (1965–1973)
- College
- University of Illinois
- Pro Bowls
- 8-time selection
- All-Pro Selections
- 5-time first-team All-Pro
- Hall of Fame Induction
- 1979
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Butkus was born in Chicago, the youngest of eight children. He played high school football at Chicago Vocational High School and college football at the University of Illinois, where he was a twice consensus All-American and led the Illini to a Rose Bowl victory in 1963. He was selected by the Bears as the third overall pick in the 1965 NFL draft. During his NFL career, he intercepted 22 passes and recovered 27 fumbles. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, and his No. 51 jersey was retired by the Bears.
In Their Own Story
The 1971 season opener at Soldier Field showcased Butkus's ability to carry a team through sheer will. Down 15–3 in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Butkus intercepted quarterback Terry Bradshaw twice and forced a critical fumble on running back Warren Bankston with minutes remaining. The turnover set up a score that secured a 17–15 victory for Chicago. Earlier in his career, while playing college football at the University of Illinois, he led the Fighting Illini to a Rose Bowl victory in 1963 and was named the Big Ten's most valuable player. Sportswriter Dan Jenkins famously captured his impact during his senior year, writing, 'If every college football team had a linebacker like Dick Butkus of Illinois, all fullbacks soon would be three feet tall and sing soprano.' Even as knee injuries from high school lingered, requiring preventive surgery before the 1971 season, he refused to diminish his intensity.
Reader's Guide
Butkus is credited with having defined the middle linebacker position and is still viewed as the 'gold standard by which other middle linebackers are measured'. In his honor, the Butkus Award recognizes American football's most outstanding linebacker. Following his playing career, Butkus worked in acting, sports commentary, and celebrity endorsement. He was active in philanthropy through the Butkus Foundation.
Did You Know?
- Butkus was a ball hawk who forced many fumbles with his jarring tackles.
- In 2009, the NFL Network named Butkus the most feared tackler of all time.
- Butkus finished third in Heisman Trophy balloting in 1964, a rare result for a defensive player.
- He scored his first career points in 1969 by tackling Steelers quarterback Dick Shiner for a safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dick Butkus and why is he a Bears legend?
Dick Butkus was a transformative middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears between 1965 and 1973, widely regarded as the gold standard for defensive excellence. His Hall of Fame career, inducted in 1979, is defined by an explosive play style that fundamentally shifted how linebackers approached attacking the line of scrimmage.
What position did Dick Butkus play and how did he change the game?
Butkus anchored the defense as a middle linebacker, using explosive force to shut down rushing attacks and cultivate a fearsome reputation for the team. His unrelenting physicality raised the bar for intensity across the league and made quarterbacks dread facing the center of the field.
What awards and honors did Dick Butkus earn?
During his tenure, Butkus secured eight Pro Bowl selections and was named an Associated Press First-Team All-Pro five times. He honed his skills at the University of Illinois before earning enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
Why is Dick Butkus considered the blueprint for modern linebackers?
Butkus revolutionized the position by prioritizing sheer power and aggression, effectively inventing the template for today's defensive playmakers. His ferocious style redefined team strategy, securing his status as the premier middle linebacker ever while keeping opposing offenses constantly on edge.
How long did Dick Butkus play for the Chicago Bears?
Butkus dedicated his complete professional journey to Chicago, competing from the 1965 season through 1973. Although his active years were relatively brief, the intensity he brought during that decade cemented his legacy as a timeless icon of the franchise.
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