Contents
Dick Butkus
Becoming the Chicago Bears middle linebacker renowned for fierce tackling and forcing turnovers.
Rose Bowl · Eight Pro Bowls
- Born
- 9 December 1942
- Birthplace
- Chicago, United States
- Died
- 5 October 2023
More people
Dick Butkus
Dick Butkus was an American football player who spent his NFL career with Chicago. His name later became attached to an award recognising outstanding linebackers.
Early life
Chicago childhood
Grew up in Roseland, the youngest of eight children.
School football
Played several positions at Chicago Vocational High School before attending Illinois.
Career
- 1962–1964
Illinois
Established himself in college football as a centre and linebacker.
- 1965
Bears draft
Chicago selected him third overall.
- 1973
Playing career ends
Knee problems brought his NFL career to a close.
- 1979
Hall of Fame
Entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Achievements
Rose Bowl
Helped Illinois win the New Year's Day game.
Eight Pro Bowls
Earned selection in eight successive seasons.
Turnovers
Recorded 22 interceptions and 27 recovered fumbles during his NFL career.
Beyond sport
Family
Married Helen Essenberg in 1963; they had three children.
After football
Worked in acting and broadcasting and supported charitable causes through his foundation.
Sources & photo credit
Life, career and references ↗Pro Football Hall of Fame biography ↗Photo: Alan Light. CC BY 2.0 · Original image. Cropped and displayed in monochrome.
