(670 The Score) Dick Butkus, a Hall of Fame linebacker and one of the Chicago Bears' all-time great players, has died, his family confirmed through the team on Thursday evening. He was 80.
Butkus was pronounced dead on the scene after paramedics arrived to his home in California following a medical emergency, according to the TMZ report.
A Chicago native, Butkus played nine NFL seasons and 119 career games, all with the Bears. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year on the ballot. Butkus attended the University of Illinois from 1962-'64 and was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Butkus earned the reputation as one of the most feared players in NFL history.
“The only reason I was the most feared tackler in football was because nobody got the message," Butkus said in 2019. "Nobody else tackled that way.”
Butkus' career was cut short due to injuries. After retiring following the 1973 season, Butkus became a broadcaster and actor.
In recent years, Butkus further endeared himself to fans by developing into an entertaining presence on social media, including in collaborations with the Bears. He addressed fans from the sideline during the team's season opener on Sept. 10 at Soldier Field.
Butkus is survived by his wife, Helen, and their three children.
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.