Dick Butkus Cause Of Death: From his days as a high school sensation in Chicago to his tenures as a two-time All-American for the University of Illinois and a legendary player for the Chicago Bears, Butkus devoted his entire athletic career to Illinois.
Dick Butkus Cause of Death
Dick Butkus, a legendary member of the Chicago Bears, passed away on Thursday, October 5th. His age was eighty years. Comatose remains of the NFL veteran were reportedly discovered in his Malibu residence; however, the cause of his passing remains unknown.
Tragic news: Legendary #Bears Hall of Famer, LB Dick Butkus, has passed away at age 80, via @TMZ
May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/wlBooWcjdX
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 5, 2023
At 3:51 p.m. ET, Butkus was reportedly away at home due to a medical emergency. Shortly thereafter, the coroner arrived and pronounced him deceased. Over the next few days, an autopsy will be performed. However, the NFL community was enthusiastic about bestowing Butkus with honors.
Many football enthusiasts regarded Butkus as one of the most formidable performers in the history of the sport. At the time of his University of Illinois career, he measured 6’3″ and weighed 245 pounds. Reportedly, Butkus possessed assets worth approximately $8 million at the moment of his demise. His wealth was primarily acquired through football.
Butkus, apart from his film and television appearances, has also been featured in several advertisements. His filmography includes “The Last Boy Scout,” “Any Given Sunday,” and “Hang Time,” among others. After concluding his football career, Butkus began working as an analyst for CBS. Butkus is survived by his spouse and four children, namely Helen, Matt, Nikki, and Richard.
Bears Release Statement Following Dick Butkus’ Death
Chicago Bears chairman George H. McCaskey issued a statement following the demise of Butkus. As reported by NFL.com, the release stated the following:
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 5, 2023
Dick was one of the finest players in NFL history and the epitome of a Bear. He was the firstborn of Chicago. Not coincidentally, he embodied the qualities that George Halas sought in a player: toughness, intelligence, instincts, passion, and leadership. These qualities he shared with our wonderful city.
“He was unyielding in his demand for excellence, both from himself and his teammates.” We requested Dick to deliver the eulogy at the dedication of the George Halas statue at our team headquarters due to our conviction that he represented Papa Bear… “Our deepest condolences are extended to Helen, the 60-year-old wife of Dick and high school sweetheart, as well as their family.”
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Dick Butkus Career
Richard Marvin Butkus was born in Chicago on December 9, 1942. 1962 to 1964 were spent at the University of Illinois, where he competed as a middle linebacker. He received the third-place vote for the Heisman Trophy in 1964.
“Everything I have ever desired to do was play football.” “A human element influenced my decision to attend Illinois,” Butkus stated in 2016, following the retirement of his number by the University of Illinois. “I am extremely honored to have attended Illini. “I will perpetually identify as an Illini.”
For the 1965–1966 NFL season, both the Chicago Bears and the Denver Broncos selected Butkus. Upon signing with his local team, he received his first of eight consecutive Pro Bowl invitations. Five passes were intercepted during his inaugural season.
Somebody give me some pads and a QB to tackle. @chicagobears pic.twitter.com/DWPq1L3yv1
— Dick Butkus (@thedickbutkus) September 10, 2023
Throughout the subsequent eight seasons, he earned the monikers “Maestro of Mayhem,” “The Enforcer,” “The Animal,” and “The Robot of Destruction” due to his prowess in tearing the ball from opponents while making collisions.
In 2019, Butkus discussed his “unique position” as a lifelong Bears fan on the organization’s website. “I feel extremely fortunate,” he declared. My family and I were extraordinarily fortunate in that my parents were able to attend the vast majority of the events played in Chicago.
Prior to his retirement in 1973, he accumulated 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions, and 27 fumble recoveries during his linebacker tenure with the team. He was subsequently inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, five years later.
Butkus received recognition not only for being included in the NFL’s All-Time Teams on his 75th and 100th anniversaries, but also for each decade of his career, being appointed to the league’s All-Decade teams. Although Notkus was a member of the Bears’ Super Bowl-winning squad, he participated in the game from the radio booth in 1985.
“I thoroughly enjoyed doing that. “When we made it to the Super Bowl, the Bears were phenomenal,” Butkus told WGN the year prior. “The year was fantastic for broadcasting because you knew they would win, which added to the excitement. They possessed an unlikeness. “Man, that team was undeniably remarkable.”
Following his retirement, the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando instituted an annual ceremony to bestow the Butkus Award upon the preeminent linebacker in collegiate football. The award was assumed by The Butkus Foundation in 2008, which subsequently initiated the recognition of athletes across various tiers: collegiate, professional, and high school. The Player’s charity opposed adolescent steroid use vehemently and made consistent contributions to a variety of organizations.
