MALIBU, CALIFORNIA: NFL legend Dick Butkus has died at the age of 80, his family confirmed on Thursday. According to TMZ, Butkus reportedly died due to cardiac arrest at his Malibu home.
A source told the outlet that paramedics responded to a call for a patient in cardiac arrest at Butkus' residence in Malibu at 12:51 PM. The NFL legend was pronounced dead at the scene.
Butkus was found unresponsive by a friend who went to check on him, reported TMZ. Butkus was one of the most intimidating players to ever step on a football field.
He was a standout at the University of Illinois before he joined the Chicago Bears in 1965 as the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Butkus' entire NFL career was with the Bears from 1965 to 1973.
In that time, Butkus also won every individual award there were six All-NFL selections, two Defensive Player of the Year honors, and eight Pro Bowls.
Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility. The Butkus Award was created in 1985, honouring the top linebackers at the high school, college, and professional levels.
The Butkus family pens a heartfelt tribute to Dick Butkus
Butkus family has recently released a statement via Chicago Bears' Twitter and paid tribute to the NFL legend. The statement reads, "The Butkus family is gathering with Dick's wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support."
The Butkus family continued in a statement to TMZ, "Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was Chicago's son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidently, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership."
The statement continued, "He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates." The statement further said, "Dick had a gruff manner, and maybe that kept some people from approaching him, but he actually had a soft touch."
The Butkus family continued in the statement, "His legacy of philanthropy included a mission of ridding performance enhancing drugs from sports and promoting heart health. His contributions to the game he loved will live forever and we are grateful he was able to be at our home opener this year to be celebrated one last time by his many fans."
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell sends condolences to the Butkus family
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also penned a tribute for the NFL legend Dick Butkus. He shared his tribute through Chicago Bears' Twitter account and said, "Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL's all-time greats."
Roger added, "Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears. We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game."
Roger continued in his tribute, "The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers." Roger further noted that "Dick was a champion of clean sports as his 'I Play Clean' campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes."
Roger concluded his tribute, "We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life."
Who is Dick Butkus' wife Helen Essenhart?
Helen Essenhart is Dick Butkus's wife of 60 years. She recently turned 80 years old in August.
Helen went to the University of Illinois with Butkus. Helen and Butkus were high school sweethearts and married in 1963.
Helen and Butkus share three kids Ricky, Matt, and Nikki Butkus, and grandchildren. Helen has kept her life out of the social media.
