Dick Butkus, Legendary Chicago Bears Linebacker, Dead At 80

Former Chicago Bears linebacker, Dick Butkus, has died at age 80, per TMZ. According to the outlet, paramedics were called to the former NFL legend's home in Malibu just before 1 p.m. local time after a reported cardiac arrest. Officials say that Butkus was found unresponsive and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Butkus was an icon in the NFL scene. Although he was selected by the Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos during the draft, he ultimately chose his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Butkus began his professional career in 1965, and was a clear force to be reckoned with. Butkus became famous for stripping the ball from the opposing team and tackling players like no one else in the league. Although his football career lasted only eight years, it didn't stop him from becoming one of the most famous football players to ever take to the field. The Chicago Bears linebacker ultimately accrued an impressive 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions, and 27 fumble recoveries during his NFL career.

Just five years after he retired, Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. He will forever be remembered by the NFL community and among football fans everywhere.

Dick Butkus had a history of heart-related health issues. In 2000, Butkus underwent a quintuple bypass surgery. According to Yahoo, Butkus went in for a routine cardiac checkup at the urging of a friend. Because Butkus hadn't had regular medical screenings since he'd been actively playing in the NFL, he agreed, only to find his heart contained several life-threatening blockages. "They flipped [the scan] on, and it was five big blotches, and I said, 'What's that?'" Butkus told the outlet in 2012. "They said that they were blockages. I felt fine, but they did an angiogram, and the next day, it was a five-way bypass." Butkus also revealed that, before the visit, he hadn't experienced any symptoms. "So, [the scan] really saved my life," he added.

During the last two decades of his life, Butkus made it his mission to share his story and promote the importance of heart health among fellow former athletes. In 2013, while promoting the NFL's annual health screening at the Dick Butkus Heart and Vascular Screening Center at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California, where he was treated, per BusinessWire, Butkus further stressed the importance of staying up-to-date with your checkups. "I feel kind of good about it because we're saving lives," Butkus said about the screenings, which benefited former pros, two years later in conversation with CBS.

Given Dick Butkus' wide-reaching impact in sports and health care, there's been an intense outpouring of love for the famed legend on X, formerly known as Twitter. The Chicago Bears posted a beautiful collage for Butkus composed of photos taken during different phases throughout his life. "Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear," the team tweet. "Our hearts go out to his family and friends." The organization also issued a statement from the Butkus family, which revealed that he reportedly died in his sleep. "The Butkus family is gathering with Dick's wife, Helen," the statement read. "They appreciate your prayers and support."

Meanwhile, Butkus' fans and industry peers have also taken to X to pay their respects. ESPN reporter Adam Schefter referred to Butkus as "one of the best and most intimidating defensive players in NFL history." Additionally, former football star Jarrett Payton tweeted, "Dick Butkus wasn't just one of the greatest football players to ever play the game, he was a remarkable man. He was always there for me when I needed him." He added, "Here's to you, @thedickbutkus. Your spirit will live on forever." Meanwhile, Ross Pins tweeted, "REST IN PEACE. Greatest linebacker of all time, not accepting arguments."