Chicago Bears release statement on passing of legendary linebacker Dick Butkus

The Chicago Bears have released a statement following the sad news that team legend Dick Butkus has died. He was 80 years old.

“Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history,” the statement read from Bears chairman George H. McCaskey. “He was Chicago’s son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidently, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passing and leadership. He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates. When we dedicated the George Halas statue at our team headquarters, we asked Dick to speak at the ceremony, because we knew he spoke for Papa Bear.

“Dick had a gruff manner, and maybe that kept some people from approaching him, but he actually had a soft touch. His legacy and philanthropy included a mission of ridding performance enhancing drugs from sports and promoting heart health. His contributions to the game he loved will live forever and we are grateful he was able to be at our home opener this year to be celebrated one last time by his many fans.

“We extend our condolences to Helen, Dick’s high school sweetheart and wife of 60 years, and their family.”

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— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 5, 2023

Butkus played linebacker for the Bears from 1965-73. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year winner. The linebacker also earned five first-team All-Pro selections.

Many consider Butkus one of the best to ever play the game.

The Bears selected Butkus in the first round of the 1965 NFL Draft. He played college football at Illinois. Both Illinois and Chicago retired the linebacker’s jersey number.

NFL commissioner releases statement on Dick Butkus

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell also released a statement following the news of Butkus’ passing.

“Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats. Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.

“We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game. The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers. Dick was a champion of clean sports as his ‘I Play Clean’ campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes.

“We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life.”