CHICAGO, IL (SNN-TV) – Dick Butkus, arguably the fiercest Monster of the Midway, has died at age 80
In a statement released through the Bears, Butkus‘ family said he “died peacefully in his sleep overnight” at his home in Malibu, California.
Butkus became a Chicago Bears legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer in his nine-year career, which started in 1965. The middle linebacker was a vicious tackler whose sense of intimidation put some players on their heels before the ball was even snapped.
He made the Pro Bowl in eight of his nine seasons, but a chronic knee injury abruptly ended his career in 1974. Butkus finishing his career with 1,020 tackles and 22 interceptions. He was named to the All-NFL first team six times in his career and was elected to the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1979.
