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On Nov. 14, 1971, Butkus caught the game-winning rating in a come-from-behind victory over Washington, 16-15. After the Bears scored the game-tying landing late, a excessive snap on the go-ahead further level try compelled quarterback and holder Bobby Douglass to run with the soccer. Following a mad scramble, Douglass related with Butkus, who secured the go with a formidable over-the-shoulder seize within the nook of the tip zone.
“I did the one factor attainable,” Butkus mentioned through the Bears‘ official web site. “I did not understand how deep I used to be in the long run zone. I simply circled and waved, hoping that Bobby would see me.”
Regardless of his intimidating 6-foot-3, 245-pound body, Butkus had surprisingly good fingers, ending his profession with 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries. So, his offensive feat that day should not have been a shock.
TMZ was the primary to report Butkus’ passing on Thursday, with the NFL releasing an announcement shortly thereafter.
“Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped the linebacker place as one of many NFL’s all-time greats,” the league’s assertion learn. “Dick’s instinct, toughness and athleticism made him the mannequin linebacker whose title will endlessly be linked to the place and the Chicago Bears.”
Butkus, a Chicago native and Illinois graduate, spent his total nine-year NFL profession with the Bears. An imposing pressure, Butkus quickly turned the poster boy, the bodily embodiment of intimidation in a rough-and-tumble sport like soccer.
A five-time All-Professional and eight-time Professional Bowler, Butkus was arguably among the finest linebackers ever. But, regardless of that, a game-winning seize on a botched PAT was dearest to his coronary heart.
In some way, that solely provides to Butkus’ badassery.
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