Was Dick Butkus Married? Who was Dick Butkus Married to?
by Priyanka P | Updated Oct 07, 2023
Who was Dick Butkus?
Dick Butkus was a famous American football player who played as a linebacker. He was born on December 9, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on October 5, 2023. Dick Butkus is widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in the history of professional football. He played most of his career for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL) from 1965 to 1973.
Butkus was known for his intense and hard-hitting style of play. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award twice. His ability to tackle opponents and force turnovers made him a feared and respected player in the NFL. In fact, he was often described as the most feared tackler of all time.
After his football career, Dick Butkus also worked in acting, sports commentary, and charitable activities through the Butkus Foundation. He left a lasting legacy in the world of football and is remembered as an iconic figure in the sport.
Full Name
Richard Marvin Butkus
Date of Birth
December 9, 1942
Place of Birth
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Date of Passing
October 5, 2023
Place of Passing
Malibu, California, U.S.
Height
6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters)
Weight
245 pounds (111 kilograms)
Was Dick Butkus Married?
Yes, Dick Butkus was married. He married a woman named Helen Essenberg in 1963 when they were both students at the University of Illinois. They had known each other since high school and had a close bond. Helen chose to stay out of the public eye and focused on being a devoted wife and mother during their 60-year-long marriage.
Together, they had three children: two sons named Ricky and Matt, and a daughter named Nikki. While Dick Butkus had a successful career in the NFL with the Chicago Bears, Helen supported him from behind the scenes. Their marriage lasted for many years until Dick Butkus's passing, and they had a strong family bond.
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Dick Butkus Siblings
Dick Butkus had six siblings, making him the youngest of seven children in his family. They all grew up together in a small house in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. In that house, Dick shared a room with his brothers Ronald, Donald, David, and John. Unfortunately, there is not much information available about the personal lives of Dick Butkus's siblings, as they lived relatively private lives away from the public eye.
While Dick Butkus is widely known for his legendary NFL career and contributions to football, his siblings remained relatively unknown to the public.
Dick Butkus College
Dick Butkus attended the University of Illinois for his college education. He played college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini during his time at the university. While at the University of Illinois, he established himself as a standout player and received numerous accolades for his football skills.
In college, Dick Butkus was a dominant force on the football field, earning recognition as a consensus All-American and even winning the prestigious Chicago Tribune Silver Football award as the Big Ten's most valuable player. His exceptional performance at the University of Illinois paved the way for his successful transition to the NFL, where he became one of the most iconic linebackers in football history.
Dick Butkus's college career played a crucial role in shaping his path to becoming a football legend, and his accomplishments at the University of Illinois are still remembered and celebrated by football fans.
Dick Butkus Wife
Dick Butkus's wife was Helen Essenberg. They got married in 1963 while they were both students at the University of Illinois. Their relationship began during their high school days, and they developed a strong bond over time. Helen chose to live a private life away from the public eye and focused on being a dedicated wife and mother during their 60-year-long marriage.
Their long and enduring marriage was marked by their shared journey through life, and they maintained a strong family bond until Dick Butkus's passing.
Dick Butkus Kids
Dick Butkus and his wife, Helen Essenberg, had three children together. They had two sons named Ricky and Matt, and a daughter named Nikki. Among their children, it was Matt who followed a career path similar to his famous father, Dick Butkus.
Matt Butkus played college-level football for the USC Trojans as a defensive lineman. Although he did not make it to the NFL like his father, he had a decent college football career, playing for a prestigious football program at USC.
While Dick Butkus was known as a legendary NFL linebacker, his children pursued their own paths in life. Despite the fame and success of their father, Ricky, Matt, and Nikki Butkus each made their own choices and contributions in different fields.
Dick Butkus Age
Dick Butkus passed away at the age of 80. He was born on December 9, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, and died on October 5, 2023, in his home in Malibu, California. Throughout his life, Dick Butkus was celebrated as one of the greatest NFL linebackers in history due to his fierce playing style and numerous accomplishments on the football field.
His impact on the sport of football, both during his playing career and afterward, was immense, and he remained an iconic figure in the world of sports until his passing at the age of 80.
Who was Dick Butkus Married to?
Dick Butkus was married to a woman named Helen Essenberg. They got married in 1963 while they were both students at the University of Illinois. Their relationship began during their high school days, and they developed a strong bond over time. Helen chose to live a private life away from the public eye and focused on being a dedicated wife and mother during their 60-year-long marriage.
Was Dick Butkus Married? - FAQs
Yes, Dick Butkus was married to Helen Essenberg for 60 years until his passing.
Dick Butkus was a legendary American football linebacker known for his fierce playing style and is considered one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history.
Yes, Dick Butkus had six siblings, making him the youngest of seven children in his family.
Dick Butkus attended the University of Illinois, where he played college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini and earned numerous accolades.
Yes, Dick Butkus and his wife Helen had three children: two sons named Ricky and Matt, and a daughter named Nikki.