5:44 PM PT — A second of silence was held in Butkus‘ honor previous to Thursday Night time Soccer at FedEx Area … the place his former group is at the moment enjoying in opposition to the Washington Commanders.
4:14 PM PT — NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell launched a press release on Butkus’ loss of life.
“Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped outline the linebacker place as one of many NFL’s all-time greats. Dick’s instinct, toughness and athleticism made him the mannequin linebacker whose title will without end be linked to the place and the Chicago Bears.
“We additionally keep in mind Dick as a long-time advocate for former gamers, and gamers in any respect ranges of the sport. The Dick Butkus Award and his basis honored achievement on the sphere and repair to the neighborhood amongst highschool, school and NFL linebackers. Dick was a champion of unpolluted sports activities as his “I Play Clear” marketing campaign helped increase consciousness in regards to the risks of steroid use amongst highschool athletes.
“We ship our deepest condolences to the Butkus household, the Bears group and the numerous followers and other people he impacted all through his life.”
3:46 PM PT — The Butkus household simply launched a press release … saying Dick died in his sleep in a single day.
“The Butkus household is gathering with Dick’s spouse Helen. They recognize your prayers and help.”
The Bears added … “Dick was the last word Bear, and one of many biggest gamers in NFL historical past. He was Chicago’s son. He exuded what our nice metropolis is about and, not coincidently, what George Halas regarded for in a participant: toughness, smarts, instincts, ardour and management.”
The assertion continued … “He refused to simply accept something lower than the most effective from himself, or from his teammates.
“Dick had a gruff method, and perhaps that stored some individuals from approaching him, however he really had a tender contact. His legacy of philanthropy included a mission of ridding efficiency enhancing medicine from sports activities and selling coronary heart well being.
“His contributions to the sport he liked will dwell without end 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.”
NFL legend Dick Butkus — one of many biggest linebackers of all time — has died, TMZ Sports activities has discovered. He was 80 years previous.
We’re informed somebody went to examine on Butkus at his dwelling on Thursday … and he was discovered unresponsive.
Our sources inform us … paramedics responded to a name for a affected person in cardiac arrest at Butkus’ residence in Malibu at 12:51 PM. He was pronounced lifeless on the scene.
Butkus is among the many most intimidating gamers to ever step onto a soccer discipline — coming in at 6’3″, 245 kilos, he was a defensive standout on the College of Illinois earlier than becoming a member of his hometown Chicago Bears in 1965 … going No. 3 total within the NFL Draft.
He performed his complete skilled profession with the Bears from 1965 to 1973 … racking up each particular person award possible — six All-NFL picks, two Defensive Participant of the 12 months honors and eight Professional Bowls.
Butkus earned many nicknames because of his fashion of play .. together with The Maestro of Mayhem, The Enforcer, The Animal and The Robotic of Destruction.
Butkus was named to the league’s All-Decade groups within the ’60s and ’70s … in addition to the seventy fifth and a centesimal Anniversary groups.
Butkus — whose profession was shortened because of accidents — had 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries over the span of 9 seasons. He was enshrined into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame in 1979, his first yr of eligibility.
In 1985, the Butkus Award was established to honor the highest linebackers at the highschool, school {and professional} ranges.
The Bears retired his No. 51 jersey in 1994.
Off the sphere, Butkus was identified for starring in commercials for Miller Lite, Prestone, Schick and Visa … in addition to dozens of movies and TV exhibits, together with “Any Given Sunday,” “Hold Time,” and “The Final Boy Scout.” He was additionally an analyst for CBS.
Butkus continued to observe the NFL in retirement — in truth, he posted his weekly picks on his Instagram simply hours in the past.
Butkus is survived by his spouse, Helen, and three youngsters.
RIP
Initially Revealed — 2:57 PM PT