Dick Butkus

Dick Butkus is widely regarded as one of the fiercest and most intimidating linebackers in NFL history. Drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1965, he played his entire nine-season career with the team and quickly became the heart of their defense.

Known for his bone-crushing hits, sideline-to-sideline pursuit, and relentless motor, Butkus defined the middle linebacker position. Despite playing on mostly mediocre Bears teams, he was an 8-time Pro Bowl selection and twice named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He forced countless fumbles (an unofficial stat in his time) and terrorized quarterbacks and running backs alike.

His legacy is not only in his stats but in the fear he instilled. Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 and remains an enduring symbol of toughness and defensive excellence.

Butkus's Awards and Honors

• Chicago Bears No. 51 retired
• 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
• SN Player of the Year (1964)
• UPI Lineman of the Year (1964)
• Unanimous All-American (1963)
• Consensus All-American (1964)
• Chicago Tribune Silver Football (1963)
• 2× First-team All-Big Ten (1963–1964)
• Second-team All-Big Ten (1962)

NFL records

• 2× NEA NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1969, 1970)
• 5× First-team All-Pro (1965, 1968–1970, 1972)
• 3× Second-team All-Pro (1966, 1967, 1971)
• 8× Pro Bowl (1965–1972)
• George Halas Award (1974)
• NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
• NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
• NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
• NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team

NFL/AFL Teams

Chicago Bears (1965–1973)

AFL draft:
1965: 1st round, 3rd pick
Chicago Bears

Numbers Worn:
51