Legendary NFL Linebacker Dick Butkus Passes Away at 80
Dick Butkus, an NFL icon, has passed away at the age of 80, as reported by TMZ Sports. Let's celebrate his incredible journey.
Butkus was drafted as the third overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft, having excelled at the University of Illinois.
Throughout his career, he was a Chicago Bear, earning two Defensive Player of the Year awards, six All-NFL selections, and eight Pro Bowl appearances.
Butkus is on the list of the 100 greatest Bears of all time and a member of the NFL's 75th and 100th anniversary teams.
He's honored in both the Pro and College Football Halls of Fame, and both Illinois and the Bears have retired his jersey.
Beyond football, Butkus became an actor, appearing in movies and TV shows like The Longest Yard, Any Given Sunday, and MacGyver.
He transitioned to a successful broadcasting career, starting with the Bears on radio broadcasts and later on CBS at a national level.
As a philanthropist, Butkus worked on causes like community service, cardiovascular health, and combating performance-enhancing drug use among young athletes.
Dick Butkus left an indelible mark on the NFL and beyond, his legacy living on as a football legend and a remarkable individual.