Dick Butkus wasn’t just a linebacker; he was a relentless force, a symbol of toughness, and the heart of the Chicago Bears defense. Over his career, he became the definition of grit and determination. Here’s a look at 15 unforgettable events where Butkus left an ineradicable mark on football history!
High School Football Star (1959-1961)
Playing high school football at Chicago Vocational, Dick Butkus showcased his versatility as a fullback, linebacker, punter, and placekicker. He excelled defensively, making 70 percent of his team’s tackles and earning accolades as Chicago’s player of the year in 1959. In the summer of 1960, he also shined as a baseball catcher.
Impactful College Career (1962-1964)
Choosing the University of Illinois over Notre Dame, Dick Butkus made an immediate impact as both center and linebacker for the Fighting Illini from 1962 to 1964. He earned All-Big Ten honors in his freshman year, which showcased his talent and set the stage for an extraordinary college football career.
Outstanding Senior Season (1964)
Butkus’ senior season in 1964 solidified his legacy, as he was named co-captain and received multiple accolades, like UPI’s Lineman of the Year. He consistently dominated on the field, finishing his college career with 374 tackles. He also made impressive showings in the Heisman Trophy balloting, which highlighted his exceptional defensive prowess.
The Showdown vs. Giants (1965)
Dick Butkus made an unforgettable rookie debut in 1965, immediately establishing himself as a dominant linebacker. He intercepted five passes, recovered six fumbles, and forced six more, quickly earning NFL Defensive Player of the Week honors. His standout performance against the Giants set the foundation for his legendary career.
Defining Win vs. Rams (1968)
The Bears’ 17-16 victory over the Rams was powered by Butkus, who completely shut down the Rams’ running game and forced the offense to rely on ineffective passes—his stellar season included three interceptions and 14 tackles over 13 games, earning him First-Team All-Pro honors and a selection to the Pro Bowl.
The Safety Streak vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (1969)
On November 9, 1969, Butkus gained a safety when he tackled quarterback Dick Shiner in the end zone and scored his first career points. He also recorded an astounding 25 tackles in that game, proving that even in a losing season, he was a standout player who never backed down.
The Iconic Interception vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (1971)
Down 15-3 in the fourth quarter against Pittsburgh, Butkus intercepted two passes from Terry Bradshaw. This incredible defensive effort sparked a comeback. His late-game forced fumble set up the Bears’ game-winning touchdown, which resulted in a dramatic 17–15 comeback victory in the Bears’ first game at Soldier Field.
The Game-Winning Touchdown vs. Washington Redskins (1971)
In a thrilling matchup against the Redskins, Butkus intercepted a pass late in the game, helping secure a narrow victory for Chicago. The game was tied against Washington, and a bad snap forced Bobby Douglass to scramble. Butkus, playing as a blocking back, raced into the end zone and received the game’s winning pass., sealing a victory.
Prolific Season (1972)
The 1972 season was a productive year for Dick Butkus, who reclaimed his position as the first-team middle linebacker on major All-Pro teams. His exceptional play earned him a final invitation to the Pro Bowl and showcased his continued dominance on the field despite the controversies surrounding his memoir.
Touchdown and Injury Struggles (1973)
In 1973, Dick Butkus achieved a unique milestone by scoring the only touchdown of his career after recovering a fumble in the end zone against the Houston Oilers. Despite facing a persistent knee injury, he showcased his tenacity by playing nine games before the injury, which ultimately cut his season short.
Unmatched Turnover Machine
Throughout his nine-year career, Dick Butkus recorded 1,020 tackles and 489 assists, along with 27 recovered fumbles—a record at the time of his retirement—and intercepted 22 passes. Known for his jarring tackles, Butkus also caused countless fumbles, earning a reputation as one of the game’s most feared defenders.
Pro Bowl and All-Pro Dominance
Butkus was an NFL star and performer. From 1965 to 1972, he earned five First-Team All-Pro selections and eight consecutive Pro Bowl invites. In addition, his exceptional performance led to him receiving two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1969 and 1970, establishing his position as one of the top linebackers.
Relentless Leadership in Defense
Leading the Chicago Bears’ defense with unwavering intensity, Butkus dominated opponents with his aggressive play. His sideline-to-sideline speed and powerful 6’3″, 245-pound frame made him a nightmare for ball carriers and quarterbacks alike. Butkus was the heart of the Bears’ defense and set a new standard for future linebackers.
Hall of Fame Legacy
Dick Butkus was accepted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 in his first year of eligibility, which reinforced his iconic stature. He was also named to the NFL’s 1960s and 1970s All-Decade Teams, and his No. 51 jersey was retired by the Bears to honor his lasting impact on football.
Butkus’ Philanthropy
The Butkus Foundation champions several charitable initiatives, including the prestigious Butkus Award, which honors top linebackers at all levels. It also manages the Dick Butkus Center for Cardiovascular Wellness, focused on heart health, and leads the I Play Clean Campaign, promoting steroid-free athletic training for high school athletes.
15 Standout Highlights Celebrating the Legacy of Dick Butkus