Name: NFL legend Dick Butkus found dead at home hours before Chicago Bears game
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NFL legend Dick Butkus found dead at home hours before Chicago Bears game

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US EditionUK EditionIrish MirrorNewsUS NewsUK NewsWorld NewsPoliticsRoyalsHealthWeird NewsScienceSportsNFLNBASoccerMLBNHLTennisGolfF1MMABoxingOther SportsEntertainmentCelebrity NewsTVMoviesMusicLifestyleFood &amp; DrinkParentingDating &amp; RelationshipsShoppingFitnessFashion &amp; BeautyTechTech NewsMoneyTravelAbout UsContactNewsletter signupNFL and Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus has tragically passed away at 80 hours before his beloved former team take to the field on Thursday Night Football against the Washington CommandersDick Butkus, one of the NFL's greatest ever players, has died at the age of 80. The Chicago Bears legend was pronounced dead after being found unresponsive at his home in Malibu on Thursday, hours before his former team take on the Washington Commanders on Thursday Night Football. Paramedics responded to a call for a medical emergency at 12:51pm, according to TMZ, after someone went to check on Butkus and found him unresponsive. The NFL Hall of Famer is regarded as one of the greatest linebackers of all time and played nine seasons for the Bears in a legendary career. A statement released by the Bears read: "The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California. "The Butkus family is gathering with Dick's wife, Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support. Additional information will be provided when it is available."Butkus grew up in Chicago and attended the University of Illinois, being a two-time consensus All-American. He was drafted No.3 overall by the Bears in the 1965 NFL Draft. His signing was viewed as a major victory for the NFL after he was also drafted by the Denver Broncos in the AFL Draft. He had an immediate impact as a professional, being named a first-team All-Pro as a rookie, something he would achieve for the next eight straight seasons. Butkus was considered a pioneer for the middle linebacker position. The Butkus Award is still used to recognize the nation's best high school, college and professional linebackers. His career was cut short by injuries in 1973, but he was still named to the NFL All-Decade Team for both the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the NFL's 75th and 100th Anniversary Teams. Butkus is enshrined in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. His jersey number, 51, was retired by the Bears, where he left an incomparable legacy.After retirement, he became a broadcaster and actor, appearing in a host of TV shows and on various TV commercials. He is survived by his wife, Helen, and three children. A statement from NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said: "Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL's all-time greats. 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. The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers. 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. "We send our deepest condolences to the Butkus family, the Bears organization and the many fans and people he impacted throughout his life." Follow MORE ONChicago BearsNFLTop StoriesTEARS FOR ZOEY: Homeless girl, 5, raped and murdered at campsite after her own MOM kicked her out - cops arrest man who knew herMurderKhloe Kardashian reveals devastating health update on close family member is 'scary'Khloe KardashianChris Hemsworth's major lifestyle changes after Alzheimer's bombshell Chris HemsworthNFL legend Dick Butkus found dead at home hours before Chicago Bears gameChicago BearsTravis Kelce's ex Kayla Nicole shares cryptic post as Taylor Swift romance gets seriousTaylor SwiftA-LIST DINNER: What Taylor Swift spent $4,000 on when she went out to eat with her star squad... but who paid?Taylor SwiftHALLOWEEN HORROR: Boy terrifies neighbours by crawling around in scarily-real M3GAN costumeHalloween'EVERYTHING HURTS RIGHT NOW': Django Unchained actor Keith Jefferson dies aged 53 - as Jamie Foxx pays tributeJamie FoxxGolden Bachelor's Theresa 'scared to death' on date with Gerry Turner amid traffic hazardThe Golden BachelorTERROR ON THE SUBWAY: Gunman dubbed ‘Prophet of Doom’ who opened fire and injured 10 is told he'll die in prisonCrimeMan arrested after randomly attacking 3 people with glass bottle in New YorkCrimeDonald Trump says he'd take Speaker role for 'short period' amid replacement searchDonald Trump

US EditionUK EditionIrish MirrorNewsUS NewsUK NewsWorld NewsPoliticsRoyalsHealthWeird NewsScienceSportsNFLNBASoccerMLBNHLTennisGolfF1MMABoxingOther SportsEntertainmentCelebrity NewsTVMoviesMusicLifestyleFood &amp; DrinkParentingDating &amp; RelationshipsShoppingFitnessFashion &amp; BeautyTechTech NewsMoneyTravelAbout UsContactNewsletter signupNFL and Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus has tragically passed away at 80 hours before his beloved former team take to the field on Thursday Night Football against the Washington CommandersDick Butkus, one of the NFL's greatest ever players, has died...

NFL legend Dick Butkus found dead at home hours before Chicago Bears game

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