Key takeaways:
- Born in 1942 to a Lithuanian American family in the Far South Side’s Fernwood neighborhood
- Attended the University of Illinois and helped lead his team to a Rose Bowl victory
- Played for the Chicago Bears from 1965 until 1973 and was an iconic representative of the team for generations
Legendary Chicago Bears linebacker and NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus has died, the team confirmed Thursday. Butkus, 80, passed away peacefully in his sleep overnight in Malibu, California.
Butkus was born on December 9, 1942 to a Lithuanian American family in the Far South Side’s Fernwood neighborhood. He attended the University of Illinois, where he helped lead his team to a Rose Bowl victory. Butkus was a first-round pick by the Chicago Bears in the 1965 NFL Draft.
The Bears released a statement confirming Butkus’ death, saying, “The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California. They appreciate your prayers and support.”
Butkus played for the Bears from 1965 until 1973, and was an iconic representative of the team for generations. According to his website, Butkus already knew he was going to be a professional football player by the time he was in high school.
The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate the prayers and support of the public during this difficult time.
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