NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus' cause of death revealed: report

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The family of Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker and Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus confirmed last month that the NFL icon died in his sleep at his home in Malibu, but his official cause of death was revealed this week. 

Butkus, who was 80, died froma  "cerebrovascular accident," or a stroke, CBS Sports reported, citing the Los Angeles Department of Public Health. 

Linebacker Dick Butkus of the Chicago Bears pursues the play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during an NFL football game September 19, 1971, at Soldier Field in Chicago. Butkus played for the Bears from 1965 to 1973. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images)

His death certificate also listed a number of secondary causes, including an irregular heartbeat and high cholesterol, and revealed that the five-time first-team All-Pro also underwent coronary bypass surgery in 2001.

DICK BUTKUS, HALL OF FAMER AND LEGENDARY BEARS LINEBACKER, DEAD AT 80

Considered one of the greatest defensive players of all time, Butkus spent all nine seasons of his NFL career from 1965 to 1973 with the Bears, earning eight Pro Bowl nods. He was also named Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons (1969-1970).

"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 at the time.

Dick Butkus played linebacker for the Chicago Bears. (Getty Images)

"Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears."

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Butkus stayed true to his