NFL legend Dick Butkus has died at the age of 80, his family confirmed in a statement.
According to TMZ, paramedics responded to a medical emergency at Butkus’ Malibu residence at 12:51 p.m. Thursday. The former linebacker was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene.
The report alleges that Butkus was unresponsive when someone checked on him on the property.
“The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus passed away peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California,” a family statement said via Fox32.
“The Butkus family meets with Dick’s wife, Helen.” They appreciate your prayers and support. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.’
NFL legend Dick Butkus has died at the age of 80 after a medical emergency at home
Butkus, a Chicago native, is considered one of the NFL’s best linebackers of all time
The former linebacker appeared in the Bears’ season opener just last month
Butkus’ cause of death is currently unknown. He is survived by his wife Helen and three children, Ricky, Matt and Nikki.
Considered one of the greatest linebackers of all time, he was a standout defensive player at the University of Illinois before being selected No. 3 overall in the 1965 NFL Draft by his hometown Chicago Bears.
Butkus, who is 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, spent his entire NFL career with the Bears before retiring in 1973 and the team retiring his No. 51 jersey in 1994.
Over the course of his impressive career, Butkus earned six All-NFL selections, two Defensive Player of the Year awards and eight Pro Bowls.
He was considered one of the most intimidating players on the field and earned several nicknames due to his playing style, including “Maestro of Mayhem”, “The Enforcer”, “The Animal” and “The Robot of Destruction”.
He had 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries in nine seasons.
Butkus was named to the NFL’s All-Decade teams in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the 75th and 100th anniversary teams.
In 1979, his first year in attendance, Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Even after leaving the league, Butkus continued to follow the NFL and shared his thoughts about the Bears on X, formerly known as Twitter, where he gained a large following.
Just last week, he appeared at the Bears game, where he was honored as a member of the Bears alumni during halftime of Chicago’s season opener against the Green Bay Packers last month.
NFL legend Dick Butkus has died at the age of 80 after a medical emergency at home
Butkus, a Chicago native, is considered one of the NFL’s best linebackers of all time
He spent his entire NFL career with the Bears and the team retired his No. 51 jersey in 1994
He had 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries in nine seasons
In an interview during the game, Butkus said that it was “always nice to be back in Chicago, especially when the Bears are blowing out the Packers.” [butt].’
He had also visited Halas Hall, the Bears’ training facility, the week before, as he had done the previous year.
“It was great having him here. “It was special,” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said in 2022.
“I had the opportunity to take him into my office and show him the Monsters of the Midway from behind my desk.” Of course he’s upstairs, which is cool. He really liked seeing that. It was a pleasure to visit him.”
Butkus was the youngest of eight children, born to Richard Marvin Butkus on December 9, 1942, and reportedly weighed an incredible 13 pounds and six ounces at birth.
Butkus grew up on the south side of Chicago and was a big fan of the then Chicago Cardinals as a child.
His older brother Ron also played college football and tried out for the Cardinals, but a knee injury forced him to quit.
Butkus married Helen, his high school sweetheart, in 1963 while they were in college and had three children together. One of their sons, Matt, played college football as a defensive lineman for the USC Trojans.
Even after retiring from the league, Butkus continued to pursue the NFL
After his playing days, Butkus worked as an analyst for CBS (pictured in 1989 with Irv Cross (center) and commentator Brent Musburger).
After news of his death broke, tributes poured in from the NFL world, led by the Bears.
“Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it meant to be a Chicago Bear.” “Our condolences go out to his family and friends,” the Bears’ official X account said.
The league also honored the football great, writing: “The NFL mourns the loss of legendary Hall of Famer Dick Butkus. Our thoughts are with his family and the Bears organization.”
NBA star Magic Johnson even paid tribute to the NFL icon, posting: “NFL Hall of Famer and one of the most powerful linebackers I have ever seen in my life, Dick Butkus, passed away today.” May he rest in peace! Cookie and I are praying for his family and loved ones!’
Sportscaster Jarrett Payton shared, “Dick Butkus was not only 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 three #Bears legends are in heaven, having a drink together and getting ready to watch the #TNF game from the best seats. Here’s to you, @thedickbutkus. Your spirit will live on forever. #RIPButkus.’
Continue.