Dick Butkus Cause of Death and Obituary, Who was Dick Butkus? What Happened to Hall of Fame linebacker and Bears Legend Dick Butkus? How Did Dick Butkus Die?
by Preethi
Updated Oct 06, 2023
Dick Butkus Cause of Death and Obituary
The legendary NFL Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus passed away on October 5, 2023, at the age of 80. The exact cause of his death was not disclosed. Butkus was widely celebrated for his incredible achievements in football.
He played eight seasons for the Chicago Bears in the 1960s and '70s, where he became known for his fierce tackling and defensive prowess. He was a five-time first-team All-Pro and an eight-time Pro Bowl selection during his career. In 1979, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history.
Dick Butkus was not only a football icon but also a philanthropist who worked to combat performance-enhancing drugs in sports and promote heart health. His contributions to the game will be remembered, and he left an indelible mark on the sport of football.
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Who was Dick Butkus?
Dick Butkus was a famous American football player known for his incredible skills as a linebacker in the NFL. He played most of his career for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1973 and earned a reputation as one of the greatest linebackers in football history.
His ferocious tackling and relentless style of play made him a force to be reckoned with on the field. Beyond football, he also dabbled in acting, sports commentary, and philanthropy. Dick Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 and left a lasting legacy in the world of sports and entertainment. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 80.
Name
Dick Butkus
Born
December 9, 1942
Birthplace
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Jersey No.
51
Position
Linebacker
Died
October 5, 2023
Age
80
place of death
Malibu, California, U.S.
Height
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight
245 lb (111 kg)
Dick Butkus Early life
Dick Butkus grew up in Chicago, where he developed a passion for football from a young age. He played high school football at Chicago Vocational High School, excelling as a fullback and linebacker. His impressive performance on the field earned him recognition as Chicago's high school player of the year.
Despite facing some injuries during his senior year, he was heavily recruited by colleges for his football talent. Butkus was born into a large family, and his parents worked hard to support their children. He carried his love for football with him to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where he continued to shine as a standout player, earning All-American honors and leading his team to a Rose Bowl victory.
Dick Butkus College Career
During his college career at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Dick Butkus played as a center and linebacker from 1962 to 1964. He quickly gained recognition for his exceptional skills on the football field, being named to the All-Big Ten Conference team and earning the title of the Big Ten's most valuable player.
Butkus was not only a fierce competitor but also a team leader, co-captaining the Illini during his senior year. He was a unanimous choice for the 1963 College Football All-America Team and finished his college career with an impressive 374 tackles, solidifying his reputation as a standout linebacker.
Dick Butkus Professional Career
Dick Butkus embarked on his professional football career when he was selected as the third overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He made an immediate impact as a rookie, showcasing his ball-hawking abilities and earning recognition as a first-team All-Pro. Butkus continued to excel, earning Pro Bowl invitations and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the NFL. His ferocious tackling and intimidating style made him one of the most feared players in the league.
Despite playing on a Bears team that faced challenges, he stood out as a star player. However, injuries eventually took a toll on his career, leading to his retirement in 1974 at the age of 31. Despite the challenges, he left an enduring mark on the position of middle linebacker and the Chicago Bears.
Dick Butkus Personal life
In his personal life, Dick Butkus was born into a large family in Chicago. His father, a Lithuanian immigrant, worked as an electrician, while his mother worked long hours at a laundry. Butkus was known for his dedication and work ethic, which he carried from his upbringing into his football career. He married his high school sweetheart, Helen Essenberg, in 1963 while they were both students at the University of Illinois.
The couple had three children, including a son named Matt, who followed in his father's footsteps by playing college football. Butkus faced health challenges later in life, including knee and spine injuries related to his football career. However, he maintained a positive outlook and continued to contribute to various endeavors, including philanthropic work through the Butkus Foundation.
Dick Butkus Filmography
After retiring from professional football, Dick Butkus ventured into the world of entertainment. He pursued a career in acting and appeared in several films and television shows, including "The Longest Yard," "Cry, Onion!," "Gus," "Superdome," "Gremlins 2: The New Batch," and "Any Given Sunday." He also made cameo appearances in various TV series and portrayed himself in the acclaimed TV movie "Brian's Song."
In addition to his acting career, Butkus worked as a sports commentator, providing insights and analysis on football-related broadcasts. His presence extended to television shows like "Blue Thunder," "My Two Dads," "Vega$," "MacGyver," and "Hang Time," among others.
Dick Butkus Net Worth
At the time of his death, Dick Butkus had a net worth of $10 million. This substantial wealth was the result of his successful football career, during which he earned accolades, Pro Bowl selections, and recognition as one of the best linebackers in NFL history.
Butkus also ventured into various entertainment and broadcasting roles, further contributing to his net worth. His contributions to Chicago sports and his impact on the NFL earned him a special place in the hearts of fans and the sports community. Despite his passing in 2023, his legacy continues to be celebrated in the world of football and entertainment.
What Happened to Hall of Fame linebacker and Bears legend Dick Butkus?
Dick Butkus passed away on October 5, 2023. His death marked the end of an era in football. Butkus had been a star in the NFL and a beloved figure in Chicago sports for many years. He was known for his tough and fierce style of play, earning a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
In his later years, Butkus faced health challenges, including injuries related to his football career. These health issues eventually led to his passing. While he is no longer with us, his memory and legacy live on in the hearts of football fans, and he will always be remembered as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history.
Dick Butkus Cause of Death and Obituary, Who Was Dick Butkus? - FAQs
Dick Butkus passed away on October 5, 2023.
He was 80 years old when he passed away.
Dick Butkus was a legendary NFL linebacker and Chicago Bears icon.
In college, Butkus played as a standout center and linebacker at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
In the NFL, he earned five first-team All-Pro selections and was an eight-time Pro Bowl player.