Dick Butkus, legendary Bears linebacker, dead at 80

The Chicago Bears have lost a legend. On Thursday, hall-of-fame linebacker Dick Butkus died at 80 years old, per TMZ Sports.

“Paramedics responded to a call for a medical emergency at Butkus’ residence in Malibu at 12:51 PM,” the outlet wrote. “He was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Shortly after the news broke, Butkus’ family released a statement regarding his death.

“The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California,” they wrote. “The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support.”

From 1965 to 1973, Butkus served as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears. During his career, he earned eight invitations to the Pro Bowl, garnered first-team All-Pro honors six times and received the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award twice.

Known for his endless aggression and fierce attitude on the field, Butkus is revered as one of the greatest to ever play on the gridiron. In nine seasons, Butkus amassed 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries over the span of nine seasons.

Dick Butkus will never be forgotten

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility. Just 15 years later, the Chicago Bears retired Butkus’ No. 51 jersey. Butkus was honored to be a part of history in the sport he dearly loved.

 “I felt my goal and my dream was in sight when I entered professional football,” Butkus said in his NFL Hall of Fame enshrinement speech. “Finally, after eight years of preparation, my opportunity was before me. Yes, I was secretly afraid I would stumble, and I did many times. There were times I needed more energy and more strength and more vitality to do all that I felt I must do. Anxiety and apprehension would fill my mind.

“I knew my family, coaches, fans and also first of all, my God, was counting on me. I also felt that there was something so great in me that nothing in this world could deflect me or hold me back if I kept myself humbly in contact with these people. So, I tried to meet each problem intelligently and each difficulty courageously while I played as a Chicago Bear.

“I consider being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as the top of my dream. For only on the top can I see the whole view,” Butkus said. “I can now see what I have done and what I can do from now on. I have a new vision and a new goal now and that is simply to be a better husband and a better father and a better person. Along with the other enshrines I will always try to be a proud representative of this the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”