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.

Quick Facts

Position: Linebacker
Born: 9 December 1942
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died: 5 October 2023
Place of death: Malibu, California, U.S.
High school: Chicago Vocational (IL)
College: Illinois (1962–1964)
Draft year: 1965

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.

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 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.

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.