Sports legend and actor Dick Butkus died at home.
Dick Butkus is dead. ZUMAwire/MVphotos
American football legend Dick Butkus has died at the age of 80. The death was announced by Butkus’ former club Chicago Bears.
The legend elected to the Kunniagalleria Hall of Fame of the sport died in his sleep at home.
– Dick was a true Bears man and one of the best players in NFL history. He oozed all that Chicago is all about. Toughness, wisdom, instincts, passion and leadership. He accepted nothing but the best from himself and his team, Bears chairman George H. McCaskey commented in the announcement.
Born in Chicago, Butkus played his entire professional career with the Bears. He was selected to the star field for the fifth time.
The 190-centimeter-tall and 111-kilogram player instilled fear among opponents thanks to his fierce tackles. Butkus was a Bears fan favorite.
– Dick had a tough exterior, but he was really sensitive. He opposed the use of performance-enhancing substances in sports and promoted heart health.
TV face
Career ended in 1973 with a knee injury. After that, Butkus got TV jobs.
Genre legend He starred in series Wonder Man MacGyver, The murder came true, Magnum P.I, Hang Time and My Two Dads. In the popular MacGyver, his character was Earl Dent.
Butkut didn’t leave his kind either. He was the Bears’ radio announcer for several years and worked on CBS’ preseason program NFL Today.
Butkus was married to his wife Helen for 60 years.