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Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus died, his former group introduced Thursday. The Corridor of Fame linebacker was 80.
“Dick was the last word Bear, and one of many best gamers in NFL historical past,” group chairman George McCaskey stated in an announcement. “He was Chicago’s son. He exuded what our nice metropolis is about and, not coincidentally, what George Halas seems for in a participant: toughness, smarts, instincts, ardour and management.
“He refused to just accept something lower than the perfect from himself, or from his teammates. … His contributions to the sport he liked will dwell perpetually and we’re grateful he was capable of be at our dwelling opener this yr to be celebrated one final time by his many followers.”
In his nine-year profession, Butkus made eight Professional Bowls. He recorded 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions, and recovered 27 fumbles. His profession was minimize quick by a knee damage in 1974 when he was 31. He was elected into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame in 1979.
“Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped outline the linebacker place as one of many NFL’s all-time greats,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell stated in an announcement Thursday. “Dick’s instinct, toughness and athleticism made him the mannequin linebacker whose identify will perpetually be linked to the place and the Chicago Bears.
“We ship our deepest condolences to the Butkus household, the Bears group and the various followers and other people he impacted all through his life.”
Butkus was born Dec. 9, 1942 and grew up on the South Aspect of Chicago. He went on to star at Chicago Vocational Excessive College after which in faculty at Illinois.
After his enjoying days, Butkus had a profitable profession as an actor, showing in lots of movies starting from Johnny Dangerously to Gremlins 2: The New Batch. He additionally appeared in quite a few TV exhibits and commercials, most notably for Miller Lite, the place he starred alongside fellow gridiron nice Bubba Smith. Butkus additionally hung out as an analyst on CBS’ NFL Right now within the late Eighties.
Regardless of all his off-the-field accolades, he was remembered most for his fierce hits between the traces.
“I wouldn’t ever exit to harm anyone intentionally,” Butkus as soon as deadpanned when requested about his status. “Until it was, you understand, necessary … like a league recreation or one thing.”
Butkus is survived by his spouse, Helen, and their three youngsters Ricky, Matt and Nikki.
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