Dick Butkus, a Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker for the Chicago Bears in the 1960s and 1970s, died Thursday at the age of 80. Today we will discuss about Dick Butkus: Highlights| Wife| Cause of death| Obituary
Dick Butkus: Highlights| Wife| Cause of death| Obituary
His family confirmed that Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight in Malibu, California, Byers said in a statement.
Butkus, a graduate of the University of Illinois, where he helped lead his team to a Rose Bowl victory, was selected in the first round by the Chicago Bears in the 1965 NFL Draft.
| No. 51 | |
|---|---|
| Position: | Linebacker |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | December 9, 1942 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died: | October 5, 2023 (aged 80) Malibu, California, U.S. |
| Height: | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight: | 245 lb (111 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school: | Chicago Vocational (Chicago, Illinois) |
| College: | Illinois (1962–1964) |
| NFL Draft: | 1965 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3 |
| AFL Draft: | 1965 / Round: 2 / Pick: 9 |
Highlights
Former Chicago Bears and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dick Butkus, widely considered the best linebacker of all time, has died, the team said Thursday. He was 80 years old. His family confirmed that Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight in Malibu, California, the Bears said in a statement.
Wife
Butkus married his high school sweetheart, Helen Eisenberg, in 1963 while they were students at the University of Illinois. After his retirement, Butkus moved to Florida and later to Malibu, California. He was an avid Bears fan and had frequent appearances in the media. The Butkuses had three children: Ricky, Matt, and Nikki.
The Bears released a statement in response to Butkus’s death, saying the family is gathering with Butkus’s wife, Helen, and that they appreciate the prayers and support as they deal with the situation.
Cause of death
According to reports, the NFL legend was found unconscious at his home in Malibu, but the cause of his death is still unknown.
Butkus reportedly suffered a medical emergency at his home at approximately 3:51 p.m. ET. He was later declared dead at the scene.
Obituary
Butkus’s website states that he already knew he would become a professional football player when he was in the fifth grade.
Butkus was quoted on his website as saying, “I worked hard to be like society says you should be.” “It (society) said you have to be fierce. I was fierce. Tough. I was tough.”
