DickButkus

Richard Marvin Butkus was a linebacker who played his entire NFL career with the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1973, born December 9, 1942, in Chicago (6'3", 245 lbs). He was a two-time consensus All-American at Illinois and was selected third overall by the Bears in the 1965 NFL Draft. He's a five-time first-team All-Pro, eight-time Pro Bowler, and two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

Butkus made an immediate impact as a rookie, establishing himself as a ball hawk who would finish his career with 22 interceptions and an NFL-record 27 fumble recoveries. Despite playing for Bears teams that struggled to win — Chicago went just 48-74-4 during his tenure — he was consistently recognized as one of the league's most dominant defenders, twice named Defensive Player of the Year by his peers in 1969 and 1970.

Renowned for his ferocity and intimidating presence, Butkus was named the NFL's most feared tackler of all time by NFL Network in 2009. Chronic knee problems, dating back to high school, ultimately forced his retirement in 1974 at age 31, and he later sued the Bears over medical care he alleged they failed to provide, settling out of court.

Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility, and the Bears retired his No. 51. After football, he built a substantial career as an actor and broadcaster, appearing in films and TV shows including "The Longest Yard" and "Gremlins 2."

Butkus died in his sleep on October 5, 2023, at age 80. The Butkus Award, given annually to the nation's top linebacker at the high school, college, and pro levels, is named in his honor.