Legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus, 80, died overnight in his Malibu, Calif., home, his family announced Thursday.
“The Butkus family confirms that football entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight,” the family said in a statement distributed by the Bears. “The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support.”
Butkus — a member of both the Pro Football and College Football Halls of Fame, was a giant in the sport. The eight-time All-Pro was on the NFL‘s all-decade teams in both the 1960s and 1970s. During his nine-year NFL career, he was twice the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
NFL Mourns Death of ‘Ultimate Bear’ Dick Butkus
“Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history,” Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey said in a statement. “He was Chicago’s son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidently, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion, and leadership.
Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied 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
“He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates. When we dedicated the George Halas statue at our team headquarters, we asked Dick to speak at the ceremony, because we knew he spoke for Papa Bear.
“Dick had a gruff manner, and maybe that kept some people from approaching him, but he actually had a soft touch. His legacy of philanthropy included a mission of ridding performance enhancing drugs from sports and promoting heart health. His contributions to the game he loved will live 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.
“We extend our condolences to Helen, Dick’s high school sweetheart and wife of 60 years, and their family.”
More Reaction to Dick Butkus’ Passing
Here’s just a sampling of the deep outpouring of appreciation and support from the world of sports.
The NFL stated on X, “The NFL is mourning the loss of legendary Hall of Famer Dick Butkus. Our thoughts are with his family and the Bears organization.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement that said, “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.
“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.
“We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life.”
The football team of University of Illinois, Butkus’ alma mater, said on X: “Illinois Football sends its condolence and thoughts to the Butkus family after the passing of Fighting Illini legend Dick Butkus. … We encourage the Fighting Illini community to celebrate what Dick Butkus meant to them by leaving flowers by his statue outside Smith Center.”
Jarrett Payton, son of iconic Bears running back Walter Payton, said on X: “Dick Butkus wasn’t just one of the greatest football players to ever play the game, he was a remarkable man. He was always there for me when I needed him. Now, these 3 #Bears legends are in heaven, sharing a drink, getting ready to watch the #TNF game from the best seat.”
Dick Butkus wasn’t just one of the greatest football players to ever play the game, he was a remarkable man. He was always there for me when I needed him. Now, these 3 #Bears legends are in heaven, sharing a drink, getting ready to watch the #TNF game from the best seats. Here's… pic.twitter.com/dzKa8n5p7x
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) October 5, 2023
Magic Johnson, co-owner of the Washington Commanders, said, “NFL Hall of Famer and one of the hardest hitting linebackers I’ve ever seen in my lifetime, Dick Butkus, passed away today. May he rest in peace! Cookie and I are praying for his family and loved ones!”