The most feared middle linebacker in NFL history — Dick Butkus set the standard for defensive play in the modern game and was voted to eight Pro Bowls in just nine seasons.
Dick Butkus was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1942. Chicago Bears selected him third overall in the 1965 NFL Draft from Illinois. In nine seasons cut short by chronic knee injuries he was named to eight Pro Bowls and became the definitional standard for the middle linebacker position — so dominant that opponents routed runs to the opposite side of the field as a structural adjustment. He was named All-Pro six times. He recovered fumbles at a historically unprecedented rate and his tackling technique was used as coaching film for generations. He was named to the NFL 50th, 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
8x Pro Bowl
His name became so synonymous with linebacker play that "Butkus Award" is now given annually to the best college linebacker in America.
Did You Know?Career Honours
- 8x Pro Bowl
- NFL 50th/75th/100th Anniversary Team
- Chicago Bears Hall of Fame