Dick Butkus, Hall of Famer and legendary Bears linebacker, dead at 80

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Hall of Famer and legendary Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus has died at the age of 80. 

The Bears confirmed the death of Butkus via his family. 

"The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California," a statement posted on X, formerly Twitter, read. "The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support."

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Former Chicago Bears player Dick Butkus cheers before the NFC Wild Card Playoff game against the Philadelphia Eagles  at Soldier Field on January 06, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

Butkus, considered one of the greatest defensive players of all time, spent all nine of his NFL seasons from 1965-1973 with the Bears, earning eight Pro Bowls and five first-team All-Pro selections over that span. 

Butkus was named to the Hall of Fame All-1960s and All-1970s teams as well. 

"Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "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