Dick Butkus

Richard Marvin “Dick” Butkus (December 9, 1942-) (LB) is the only defensive player since 1950 to be named the Big Ten’s Most Valuable Player, winning the award in 1964. Butkus, a native of Chicago, played linebacker for the University of Illinois and was a two-time All-American for the Fighting Illini in 1963 and 1963. He also earned the American Football Coaches Association Player of the Year Award in 1964. A dream come true, the Chicago Bears selected Butkus with the third pick overall in the 1965 NFL Draft, one ahead of fellow Hall of Famer and teammate Gale Sayers. The Denver Broncos of the American Football League also drafted Dick in 1965. It did not take long before Butkus earned the moniker of “The Most Feared Man IN the Game. ” He delivered bone-jarred hits, forced numerous fumbles while attacking the opposing running backs and struck fear in the eyes of quarterbacks as he barrel down on them driving them into the turf. In 1970, he amassed 132 tackles, 84 assists, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries, not to mention and untold number of fumbles that he forced. Dick Butkus played his entire nine-year career with the Chicago Bears, was a five-time NFL All-pro First Team selection and was named to eight consecutive NFL Pro Bowl appearances (1965-1972). Butkus played 119 games, had 22 career interceptions for 166 return yards, recovered 27 fumbles for 22 yards and scored 10 total points on one fumble recovery touchdown, two extra points and one safety. Dick Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983. Dick made a successful transition from the football field to the broadcast booth and was even featured in a number of major motion pictures and television series. In 1985, the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Florida created The Dick Butkus Award honoring the most outstanding linebacker at the high school, college and professional levels.