The legendary linebacker for the Chicago Bears
Football fans know the name Dick Butkus. He is one of the most legendary linebackers in the history of the sport. But who is Dick Butkus, and what makes him so special? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the life and career of this iconic athlete.
Early Life
Dick Butkus was born on December 9, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the city’s South Side and attended Chicago Vocational High School. Butkus was a standout athlete in high school, playing football, basketball, and baseball. He was so good at football that he earned a scholarship to play at the University of Illinois.
College Career
Butkus played for the Illinois Fighting Illini from 1962 to 1964. He was a two-time All-American and won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football award as the Big Ten’s Most Valuable Player in 1963 and 1964. Butkus was known for his hard hits and aggressive style of play, and he quickly became one of the most feared defenders in college football.
Professional Career
After graduating from college, Butkus was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the third overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft. He played for the Bears for nine seasons, from 1965 to 1973. During that time, he was named to the Pro Bowl six times and was a first-team All-Pro four times. Butkus was also named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice, in 1969 and 1970.
Legacy
Butkus retired from football in 1973 due to a series of knee injuries. He finished his career with 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions, and 27 fumble recoveries. Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, and his number 51 was retired by the Chicago Bears. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in the history of the sport.
Conclusion
Dick Butkus is a football legend, known for his hard hits and aggressive style of play. He was a dominant force in college football and the NFL, and his legacy lives on today. Butkus is an inspiration to young athletes everywhere, and his name will always be synonymous with greatness on the football field. In sad and shocking news, Illinois football legend Dick Butkus passed away on Thursday.