- Hall of Famer Dick Butkus spent his entire career with the Chicago Bears
- The former linebacker was reportedly found unconscious in his home
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
NFL legend Dick Butkus has died at the age of 80, his family confirmed in a statement.
According to TMZ, paramedics responded to a medical emergency at Butkus’ Malibu residence at 12:51 a.m. on Thursday. The former linebacker was reportedly pronounced dead at the scene.
The report claims Butkus was unresponsive when someone went to check on him at the property.
“The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Malibu, California,” a family statement said via Fox32.
‘The Butkus family comes together with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support.”
NFL legend Dick Butkus has died at the age of 80 after a medical emergency at home
A native of Chicago, Butkus is hailed as one of the NFL’s greatest linebackers of all time
NFL legend Dick Butkus has died at the age of 80 after a medical emergency at home
Hailed as one of the greatest linebackers of all time, Butkus was a defensive standout at the University of Illinois before being taken by his hometown Chicago Bears with the third overall pick in the 1965 NFL draft.
Butkus, who stood at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, spent his entire NFL career with the Bears before retiring in 1973 and the team retired his No. 51 jersey in 1994.
During his impressive career, Butkus earned six All-NFL selections, two Defensive Player of the Year honors and eight Pro Bowls.
He was considered one of the most intimidating players on the field and was given several nicknames for his playing style, including The Maestro of Mayhem, The Enforcer, The Animal and The Robot of Destruction.
He had 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries in nine seasons.
Butkus was named to the NFL’s All-Decade teams in the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the 75th and 100th Anniversary teams.
In 1979, his first year of eligibility, Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Even after his retirement from the league, Butkus continued to follow the NFL and shared his thoughts on the Bears with X, formerly known as Twitter, where he gained a large following.
Butkus is survived by his wife Helen and three children.
He was a member of the Bears alumni who were honored last month during halftime of Chicago’s season opener against the Green Bay Packers.
He spent his entire NFL career with the Bears and the team retired his number 51 jersey in 1994
He had 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions and 27 fumbles in nine seasons
In an interview during the game, Butkus said it was “always good to be back in Chicago, especially when the Bears are going to kick the Packers’ (butt).”
He had also visited Halas Hall, the Bears’ training facility, the week before, just like last year.
‘It was great to have him here. It was special,” 2022 Bears coach Matt Eberflus said.
“I had the opportunity to take him into my office and show him Monsters of the Midway from behind my desk. Of course he’s at the top, which is cool. He really enjoyed seeing that. It was a pleasure to visit him.’
More to follow.