Dick Butkus, fearsome Hall of Fame Chicago Bears linebacker, dies at 80

CHICAGO (AP) — Dick Butkus, a fearsome center linebacker for the Chicago Bears, has died, the staff introduced Thursday. He was 80.

In keeping with an announcement launched by the staff, Butkus’ household confirmed that he died in his sleep in a single day at his house in Malibu, California.

Butkus was a Corridor of Famer whose bone-rattling tackles made him one of the crucial intimidating gamers in NFL historical past. He was the quintessential fashionable linebacker, a disruptive pressure who roamed sideline to sideline and left a path of damaged opponents behind.

He was a first-team All-Professional choice 5 instances and made the Professional Bowl in eight of his 9 seasons earlier than knee accidents compelled his retirement at age 31. Regardless of a brief profession, Butkus got here to outline his place. He routinely ranks among the many NFL’s prime 100 gamers.

Enjoying off his tough-guy picture, Butkus later acted in films, TV exhibits and commercials.