Dick Butkus, one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, died at the age of 80 on October 5, 2023. He played for the Chicago Bears for nine seasons, and was also a sports commentator and an actor. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. He is survived by his wife Helen and his three children. He was known for his fierce and tenacious style of play, which also affected his health.
He was a native of Chicago, and a legendary figure in the football world. He was also involved in several charitable causes, such as the Butkus Foundation. His name is synonymous with excellence at his position, and he inspired fear and respect in his opponents and teammates alike.
Dick Butkus Biography Profile
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Richard Marvin Butkus |
| Nick Name | Dick |
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1942 |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Age (as of 2023) | 80 years (deceased) |
| Gender | Male |
| Zodiac sign | Sagittarius |
| Profession | Former professional football player, sports commentator, and actor |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Lithuanian |
| Home Town/State | Chicago, Illinois |
| School | Chicago Vocational High School |
| College | University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign |
| Educational Qualification | Bachelor of Science in Physical Education |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Hobbies | Golfing, fishing, reading, watching movies |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Girlfriend | N/A |
| Net Worth | $8 million (estimated) |
Dick Butkus Early Life and Education
Dick Butkus was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Lithuanian immigrant parents. He was the youngest of eight children and grew up in a working-class neighborhood. He developed a passion for football at an early age and played for his high school team as a linebacker and a center. He was recruited by several colleges, but chose to attend the University of Illinois, where he was a two-time All-American and the Big Ten Most Valuable Player in 1963. He led the Illini to a Rose Bowl victory in 1963 and was named the college football’s Lineman of the Year in 1964. He graduated with a degree in physical education in 1965.
Dick Butkus Family Details
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Father Name | John Butkus Sr. |
| Mother Name | Emma Butkus |
| Brother(s) | John Butkus Jr., Don Butkus, Ron Butkus |
| Sister(s) | Alice Butkus, Irene Butkus, Mary Ann Butkus, Elaine Butkus |
| Wife/Husband | Helen Essenberg (m. 1963) |
| Children | Ricky Butkus, Matt Butkus, Nikki Butkus |
Dick Butkus Career Highlight:
Dick Butkus was drafted by the Chicago Bears as the third overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft. He played for the Bears from 1965 to 1973 as a middle linebacker and was known for his fierce tackling and relentless effort. He was invited to eight Pro Bowls, named a first-team All-Pro six times, and was twice recognized by his peers as the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year.
He was renowned as one of the greatest and most intimidating linebackers in professional football history. He retired at the age of 31 due to a knee injury that hampered his performance. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983. He was also a member of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team and the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.
Dick Butkus Physical Stats and More:
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Height (Aprox.) | in centimeters- 191 cm |
| Weight (Aprox.) | in Kilograms- 111 kg |
| Body Type | Athletic |
| Figure Size | N/A |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Black (grayed with age) |
| Hair Length | Short |
| Shoe Size | N/A |
Dick Butkus Favorite Things
| Favorite Things | Details |
|---|---|
| Favorite Colour | Blue |
| Favorite Actor | Clint Eastwood |
| Favorite Actress | Meryl Streep |
| Favorite Movies | The Godfather, Dirty Harry, Rocky |
| Favorite Singers | Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley |
| Favorite Food | Steak, pizza, ice cream |
| Favorite Books | The Catcher in the Rye, To Kill a Mockingbird |
| Favorite Wear | Casual |
| Favorite Animal | Dog |
| Favorite Car | Ford Mustang |
| Favorite Things to Do | Golfing, fishing, reading, watching movies |
| Favorite Sports | Football, baseball |
| Favorite Sports Person | Walter Payton |
| Favorite Destination | Hawaii |
Dick Butkus Lifestyle
- Does he smoke? No
- Does he consume alcohol? Occasionally
- Does he drive? Yes
- Does he know cooking? No
- Does he swim? Yes
- Is he a practitioner? No
- Does he go to the gym? Yes (before retirement)
- Is he a jogger? Yes (before retirement)
- Does he travel? Yes
- Does he have pets? Yes (two dogs)
- Does he play any instruments? No
- Does he have any tattoos? No
Dick Butkus Social Media Handles
| Social Media Platform | Handle/Username |
|---|---|
| N/A | |
| N/A | |
| Facebook Page | [Dick Butkus] |
Who was Dick Butkus?
Dick Butkus was a legendary American football player, who played as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1973. He was also a sports commentator and an actor, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
How did Dick Butkus die?
Dick Butkus died at the age of 80 on October 5, 2023. He passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Malibu, California. The cause of death was not disclosed, but he had battled with various health problems in his later years, such as heart issues, diabetes, and dementia.
What was Dick Butkus’ net worth?
Dick Butkus’ net worth is not publicly known, but he was estimated to have earned over $1 million during his playing career. He also had a successful career in media and entertainment, appearing in several movies and TV shows.
What was Dick Butkus’ jersey number?
Dick Butkus wore the jersey number 51 for the Chicago Bears. His number was retired by the team, and he is considered one of the most beloved players in the franchise’s history.
What was Dick Butkus’ style of play?
Dick Butkus was known for his fierce and tenacious style of play, which also took a toll on his health. He was one of the most intimidating linebackers in NFL history, and he inspired fear and respect in his opponents and teammates alike. He was a five-time first-team All-Pro selection, an eight-time Pro Bowl honoree, and a member of the NFL’s 100 All-Time Team
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