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 Thursday evening. He was 80.
Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at his home in Malibu, California.
"Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history," Bears chairman George 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. 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."
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell issued a statement on Butkus' passing.
"Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL's all-time greats," Goodell said. "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."
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.