Last Updated: 06 Dec, 2023 | Views: 1132
Age: 82
Profession: Sports Men
Other Profession(s): Actor, Football player, Sports Commentator
Famous For: The Butkus Award in 1985
About (Profile/Biography):
Dick Butkus, a well-known American professional gridiron football player, was born in Illinois. Butkus played middle linebacker in football for the Chicago Bears. Considering he was a linebacker in the 1960s, he was incredibly huge. At Chicago Vocational High School, Butkus participated in both fullback and linebacker positions. He played middle linebacker at the University of Illinois (1962–1964) and was named unanimously All-America in 1963 and 1964, his senior year when he also came in third in the Heisman Trophy vote (an exceptional result for a defensive player) and often regarded as the most vicious linebacker to ever play football.
Career:
Butkus distinguished himself as a ball hawk by intercepting five passes, recovering six lost fumbles by opponents, and being unofficially credited with six forced fumbles.
The Dick Butkus Award has been given annually to the best linebacker in college football since 1985 by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Florida.
In 1969, Butkus recorded his first professional point when he stopped Steelers quarterback Dick Shiner in the final for a safety.
Butkus underwent preventive surgery on his right knee prior to the 1971 season; in high school, he had damaged ligaments but was still able to play because of powerful muscles that helped to make up for the injury.
Achievements and Awards:
Butkus made 25 tackles in the contest as well, and the AP named him the NFL Defensive Player of the Week in recognition of his performance.
As the Hall of Famer Bill George's replacement as a middle linebacker, Butkus had an immediate impact.
Unknown facts:
Eight times, Dick Butkus was chosen for the Pro Bowl.
