Dick Butkus Biography
Richard J. Butkus, “Dick”, was born in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from the University of Illinois. A first-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears, Dick played for them from 1965-1973 and was named All-Pro linebacker seven times. Many football gurus consider Dick Butkus the finest linebacker in the history of football.
Butkus played both fullback and linebacker at Chicago Vocational High School. As a middle linebacker at the University of Illinois, he earned consensus All-America honors in 1963 and 1964, his senior season, when he also finished third in the voting for the Heisman.
Dick was selected by the Bears and by the Denver Broncos in the first round of the NFL and the American Football League draft, respectively. He signed with his hometown team, and in his first year with the Bears, he intercepted five passes and was selected for the first of eight consecutive Pro Bowls.
Dick Butkus Career
. He played as the Chicago Bears’ middle linebacker for nine years with only one goal in mind – to be the best, and from the very start, he was just that. In his rookie season, Butkus, a first-round draft choice, had only one challenger for National Football League Rookie of the Year honors, his teammate Gale said That same year Butkus was named first-team All-NFL, an honor he would record five more times.
Dick even figured in the career-style columns with 22 interceptions and 27 opponents’ fumble recoveries. He had drive, meanness, a consuming desire to pursue, tackle, and manhandle – anything he could do to thwart the enemy on every play. Still, he was a clean player, totally devoted to his career.
Dick Butkus Awards and Honors
• 1960s All-Decade Team
• 1970s All-Decade Team
• NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team
• All-Time NFL Team (selected in the year 2000)
• AFL-NFL 1960-1984 All-Star Team (selected in 1985)
• 1969 NFL Defensive Player of the Year (NEA)
• 1970 NFL Defensive Player of the Year (NEA, PW)
Dick Butkus Age
Dick Butkus was born on 9 December 1942 he is 76 years
Butkus Personal Information
Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight: 245 lb (111 kg)
Dick Butkus Early Life