Dick Butkus, Hall of Fame linebacker for Chicago Bears, dies - ESPN

Dick Butkus, arguably the fiercest Monster of the Midway, has died at age 80, the Chicago Bears announced Thursday.

Butkus became a Bears legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer in his nine-year career, which started in 1965. The middle linebacker was a vicious tackler whose intimidating presence put some players on their heels before the ball was even snapped.

In a statement released through the Bears, Butkus' family said he «died peacefully in his sleep overnight» at his home in Malibu, California.

«Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history,» team chairman George McCaskey said in a statement. «He was Chicago's son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidentally, what George Halas looks for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership.

»He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates.… 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."

Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/8UEVuuZLwi

The Bears took on the Commanders on Thursday night in Landover, Maryland, and a moment of silence for Butkus was played for kickoff.

Hall of Fame defensive end Deacon Jones once called Butkus a «maniac» and «well-conditioned animal.» Butkus appeared to want to send a message with every tackle.

«I want to just let 'em know that they've been hit, and when they get up, they don't have to look to see who it was that hit 'em,» Butkus once told NFL Films. «It shouldn't be any puzzle. When they come to, they got to say, 'It