Football

Former Illinois linebacker, Chicago Bears icon Dick Butkus dies at 80

By Lisa Chasanov and Adam Rosen • October 5, 2023

Photo courtesy of the 1965 Illio Yearbook

Dick Butkus during a football game in 1965. On Thursday, the Bears confirmed the death of Butkus, who played for Illinois from 1962 to 1964 as a linebacker.

Dick Butkus, a prominent former Chicago Bears and Illini football player, died this afternoon at the age of 80. The Bears confirmed the news to ABC7 Chicago.

The former Illini linebacker was born in Chicago and attended the University from 1962 to 1964, becoming one of the most successful players in the programʼs history.

Following his tenure playing for the Illini, Butkus was drafted in 1965 by both the Bears in the NFL draft and the Broncos in the AFL draft. The Chicago native ultimately chose to play for the Bears.

The linebacker played for his hometown professional football team until 1973, during which time he was a five-time All-Pro, two-time Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time Pro Bowler.

The statue of Dick Butkus located outside of the Henry Dale and Betty Smith Football Performance Center. (Matt Stepp)

Butkus’ No. 50 jersey was retired by the Illini in 1986 and the player was inducted into the Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame in 2017.

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Butkus’ page on the Pro Football Hall of Fame website described him as “a man who by his own admission played every game as though it were his last one.”

Bears Chairman George McCaskey released a statement following Butkusʼ death on behalf of the team at 5:46 p.m.

“Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history,” McCaskey wrote. “He was Chicagoʼs son.”

The Bears will face the Washington Commanders at 7:15 p.m. tonight.

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About the Contributors

Lisa Chasanov, Managing Editor for Reporting

Howdy! My name is Lisa, my game is delivering quality news to your phone screen, coffee table and recycling bin. Since fall 2022, I have had the honor of writing, editing and often-unsuccessfully pitching content for The Daily Illini. During my time at the 152-year-old news source, I have served as a reporter at our news desk, summer editor and assistant news editor. Most recently, after a rewarding year of bringing you hard-hitting stories such as “Uncut: Dissecting Circumcision” and “‘Surf’s Up’ could be the film of the summer,” I have taken over as managing editor for reporting. In my free time, you can find me performing open heart surgery in dark alleys, communicating telepathically with small woodland creatures and engaging in otherwise dubious activities. If you would like to summon me for any reason, you can find me at [email protected]. Good Yard. Stay tuned for more.

Adam Rosen, Assistant Sports Editor

Hello! I’m Adam and I’m a senior majoring in journalism. I’m one of the assistant sports editors, and this is my second year with The DI. I love to talk about sports, so if you have any questions or desire to talk about a random athlete from 10 years ago or why Messi > Ronaldo, contact me at my email below!

Matt Stepp, Visual Director

Hey there! I’m Matt, I’m currently a first-year majoring in Graphic Design, with a minor in media. I started here at the Daily Illini in the fall of 2023 as a staff photographer, and now serve as the Visual Director for the Daily Illini. I have always loved photography, you will probably see me around campus shooting sports and other events. I’m also an artist and love watercolor painting and illustration. If you’re a swimmer or enjoy the pool, you may see me at the ARC or CRCE working as a lifeguard as well, I’m never away from a pool for too long!