- Dick Butkus was an NFL giant
- He died in his home
- Teams and players send condolences
Hall Of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus dies in his sleep
The football world lost a legend. Dick Butkus, known for being a Chicago Bears linebacker and Hall of Fame player passed away aged 80. He died in his sleep in his home in Malibu, California.
His former team in Chicago released a statement announcing his death. Bears chairman George H. McCaskey spoke highly of Butkus in the statement, and expressed his admiration for the man.
"Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history," he says. "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".
The Chicago Bears also posted a tribute to Butkus on their Instagram page. "Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts go out to his family and friends," reads the caption.
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Dick Butkus was born and raised in Chicago, where he spent the entirety of his football career. He is one of the most beloved Bears of all time. He was inaugurated into the Pro Hall of Fame in 1979.
After his influential nine year career with the Chicago Bears, Dick Butkus decided to try acting instead! He appeared in shows such as 'MacGyver', 'My Two Dads' and 'hang Time'.
