BUTKUS, DICK

born Dec. 9, 1942, Chicago, Ill., U.S. byname of Richard J. Butkus American professional National Football League (NFL) middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears, who was considered one of the best defensive players in the game. Butkus played football as a fullback and linebacker at Chicago Vocational High School. At the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign) as a linebacker (196264), he starred in the 1963 Rose Bowl game and the 1965 College All-Star game. He was also named to All-America teams (196364). In his first year with the Bears (1965), Butkus intercepted five passes, and in 1970 he was voted by NFL coaches as the player whom they would most like to have on their teams. His career was shortened by injuries. After retiring in 1973, he was active in television and films. He was elected to the Football Hall of Fame in 1979.