Who Is Dick Butkus? Age, Biography and Wiki
Dick Butkus, born on December 9, 1942, was an iconic American football player. Renowned for his formidable presence on the field, he tragically passed away in 2023. Although he is no longer with us, Butkus's legacy endures in professional football history. He was a linebacker who played for the Chicago Bears in the NFL during the 1960s and 1970s and is often considered one of the greatest linebackers of all time. His tenacity, leadership, and passion for the game have left an indelible mark on football.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 9, 1942 |
| Age | 80 Years |
| Birth Place | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Country | Mali |
| Date of death | 5 October, 2023 |
| Died Place | Malibu, California, U.S. |
Popularity
Dick Butkus's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his prime, Dick Butkus stood 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighed around 245 pounds. His imposing physique was complemented by unparalleled athleticism, enabling him to dominate opposing offenses. His measurements contributed significantly to his reputation as a fearsome competitor on the gridiron.
Injuries sustained during Butkus's playing career compounded with time. He had his knee replaced with a metal unit. An osteotomy left him with one leg 1.5 inches shorter than the other, which affected his hips, back, and neck. Around 2002, nerve damage in his spine caused him to develop foot drop.
He lost strength in his hands, needing both to lift a coffee cup. Still, Butkus maintained that football had a largely positive impact on his life, and that its benefits should not be overlooked.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Dick Butkus was married to Helen Butkus, with whom he had three children. The couple shared a long-lasting bond, navigating the challenges of fame and family life together. Throughout his life, Butkus remained dedicated to his family, often crediting them for his success and happiness. After his passing, his family continues to honor his legacy and contributions to the sport.
He was a very large baby, weighing 13 lb at birth. His father John, a Lithuanian immigrant to Ellis Island who spoke broken English, was an electrician and worked for the Pullman-Standard railroad car manufacturing company. His mother, Emma, worked 50 hours a week at a laundry. Butkus grew up in the Roseland neighborhood on Chicago's South Side.
He was a fan of the Chicago Cardinals of the National Football League (NFL) and attended their games at Comiskey Park. His older brother Ron played football for three colleges and tried out for the Cardinals before quitting due to a bad knee. For four years starting at age 15, Butkus worked with his four brothers as a mover.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his death in 2023, Dick Butkus had an estimated net worth of around $6 million. His wealth came not only from his illustrious football career but also from various endorsements, television appearances, and post-retirement business ventures. Although exact figures vary, Butkus's financial success is a testament to his status as a sports icon.
Butkus scored the first points of his career in 1969, when he tackled Steelers' quarterback Dick Shiner in the end zone for a safety on November 9. He also recorded 25 tackles in the game, and for his efforts was recognized as the NFL Defensive Player of the Week by the AP.
That 38–7 win for the Bears was their only one of the season; they finished with a 1–13 record, which was the worst in franchise history. Additionally, Butkus's five-year contract had reached its end.
A number of Bears players, including Butkus, expressed interest in being traded or cut by the team, but he signed a multi-year contract extension prior to the 1970 season to remain in Chicago. The contract raised his salary from $50,000 per year to around $80,000 to $100,000 per year.
Career, Business and Investments
Butkus's football career began in college at the University of Illinois, where he earned All-American honors. Following his selection by the Chicago Bears in the NFL Draft, Butkus quickly rose to stardom. He was a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
Post-retirement, Butkus ventured into acting, appearing in films and television shows, and founded the Dick Butkus Foundation, which focuses on promoting youth sports and healthy living. His business acumen extended to various investments that further diversified his income streams.
Butkus was selected by the Bears as the third overall pick in the 1965 NFL draft. He soon established himself as a ball hawk with his penchant for forcing turnovers. During his NFL career, he intercepted 22 passes and recovered 27 fumbles (a record when he retired), and he was responsible for causing many more fumbles with his jarring tackles.
His tackling ability earned him both admiration and trepidation from opposing players. In 2009, the NFL Network named Butkus the most feared tackler of all time.
Social Network
While active, Dick Butkus was not just a football star but also a beloved public figure who utilized social media to connect with fans. His presence on platforms like Twitter and Instagram allowed him to share his insights on football, engage with followers, and promote charitable initiatives. His enduring popularity is reflected in the continued engagement from fans who celebrate his contributions to the sport.
As a senior in 1964, Butkus was named the team's co-captain along with safety George Donnelly. UPI deemed Butkus college football's Lineman of the Year for 1964, and he was named the player of the year by the American Football Coaches Association and The Sporting News.
For the second consecutive season he was deemed the Illini's most valuable player. He was chosen for the 1964 All-America team by five of the six major selectors.
In a cover story for Sports Illustrated that season, sportswriter Dan Jenkins remarked, "If every college football team had a linebacker like Dick Butkus of Illinois, all fullbacks soon would be three feet tall and sing soprano." Butkus also finished sixth in Heisman Trophy balloting in 1963 and third in 1964, rare results both for a lineman and a
defensive player.
According to statistics kept by the university, he completed his college career with 374 tackles: 97 in 1962, 145 in 1963, and 132 in 1964.
Education
Dick Butkus attended the University of Illinois, where he not only excelled on the football field but also laid the foundation for his future success. His education and commitment to learning played a crucial role in shaping his character and work ethic, proving that dedication extends beyond just sports.
He was a linebacker and a center for the Illinois Fighting Illini. He was a twice consensus All-American, and he led the Illini to a Rose Bowl victory in 1963 and was deemed the most valuable player in the Big Ten Conference. Butkus was named college football's Lineman of the Year in 1964. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
