J. Kim Murphy Dick Butkus, one of the most celebrated linebackers in NFL history who played eight seasons for the Chicago Bears before turning to a career as an actor and sports commentator, died Thursday in Malibu.
He was 80 years old. Butkus’ death was confirmed by the Chicago Tribune. A Chicago native, Butkus was drafted by his hometown team in 1965 after a breakthrough college football career that saw him lead the University of Illinois to a Rose Bowl victory in 1963.
During his time with the Bears, Butkus twice won defensive player of the year, appeared in eight Pro Bowls and was named to first-team All-Pro five times.
A towering 245 lb. linebacker, Butkus was a formidable defensive presence on the field. He was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, with his No.
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