We have lost a Bear. The world of football and entertainment is mourning the loss of NFL icon Dick Butkus, who passed away peacefully at the age of 80 at his residence in Malibu. Known for his ferocious play on the football field and his later foray into Hollywood, Butkus left an indelible mark on both sports and entertainment.
The Butkus Family released the following statement on the Bears website: “The Butkus Family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, Calif. The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support.”
“Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history,” Bears chairman George H. McCaskey said in a statement. “He was Chicago’s son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidently, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership. He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates. When we dedicated the George Halas statue at our team headquarters, we asked Dick to speak at the ceremony, because we knew he spoke for Papa Bear.
“Dick had a gruff manner, and maybe that kept some people from approaching him, but he actually had a soft touch. His legacy of philanthropy included a mission of ridding performance-enhancing drugs from sports and promoting heart health. His contributions to the game he loved will live forever and we are grateful he was able to be at our home opener this year to be celebrated one last time by his many fans.
“We extend our condolences to Helen, Dick’s high school sweetheart and wife of 60 years, and their family.”
Butkus, whose gridiron career spanned from 1965 to 1973, played all nine seasons of his NFL career with the Bears. He was widely regarded as one of the most dominant and intimidating middle linebackers in the history of American football. Standing at 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 245 pounds, Butkus was known for his incredible drive, strength, leadership, speed, agility, and his ability to demoralize opponents.
He earned numerous accolades during his career, including being named to the All-NFL first team six times and making the Pro Bowl for eight consecutive seasons. Butkus’s record of 27 opponents’ fumble recoveries, many resulting from his bone-crushing tackles, still stands as an NFL record. ESPN also recognized him as the 70th greatest athlete of the 20th century.
A Chicago native, Richard Marvin Butkus was born on December 9, 1942 and raised in the city. He attended Chicago Vocational High School before making a name for himself at the University of Illinois. His love for the city and the Chicago Bears was evident throughout his life.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Playboy Magazine once described him as “the meanest, angriest, toughest, dirtiest son of a bitch in football. An animal, a savage, subhuman.”
Transitioning to Hollywood
After retiring from football, Butkus seamlessly switched to a career in Hollywood. He became a member of SAG-AFTRA, where he spent over four decades making a name for himself as an actor. His new career began with a bang. He appeared in several notable films, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Some of his film credits include:
- “The Longest Yard” (1974): Butkus made an appearance in this iconic sports comedy-drama film starring Burt Reynolds. The film explored the world of prison football and remains a fan favorite.
- “Cry, Onion!” (1975): In this lesser-known comedy film, Butkus demonstrated his comedic chops, proving that he was more than just a football brute.
- “Mother, Jugs & Speed” (1976): This comedy-drama featured Butkus in a supporting role, further establishing his presence in the film industry.
- “Gus” (1976): Butkus appeared in this Disney sports comedy about a football-playing mule, adding a touch of humor to his filmography.
- “Superdome” (1978): Butkus ventured into the world of television movies, taking on a role in this sports drama set in the Superdome during a championship game.
- “Johnny Dangerously” (1984): This crime comedy saw Butkus in another memorable role, showing off his acting range.
- “Hamburger: The Motion Picture” (1986): In this teen sex comedy, Butkus portrayed a drill sergeant-like teacher, once again proving his comedic talents.
- “Gremlins 2: The New Batch” (1990): Butkus joined the cast of this popular horror-comedy sequel, demonstrating his ability to tackle different genres.
- “Necessary Roughness” (1991): Butkus continued to grace the silver screen with his presence in this football-themed comedy.
- “Any Given Sunday” (1999): In Oliver Stone’s football drama, Butkus played a cameo role, solidifying his status as a football icon in Hollywood.
A Familiar Face on TV
Butkus didn’t limit his acting talents to the big screen; he also had a significant presence on television. He appeared in TV series such as Blue Thunder, My Two Dads, Vega$, MacGyver, and Hang Time. His contributions extended to cameo appearances in various television shows, including a memorable guest spot on Murder, She Wrote.
Endorsements and Commercials
Dick Butkus also left his mark on the advertising world. He became a celebrity endorser, showcasing his larger-than-life personality in commercials. Notable endorsements and commercials include:
- Prestone: In a famous commercial during Super Bowl IV in 1970, Butkus endorsed Prestone antifreeze with the tagline, “Because plugging holes is my business.” This commercial marked one of the first highly successful celebrity endorsements in Super Bowl advertising.
- Miller Lite: Throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, Butkus appeared alongside fellow former NFL star Bubba Smith in a series of acclaimed Miller Lite ads. These commercials portrayed them as refined gentlemen with a love for polo, tennis, and opera.
- Echo Tools: In 1985, Butkus served as a pitchman for Echo Tools, a producer of outdoor power equipment.
- Qwik-Cook Grill: In the 1990s, Butkus promoted the “Qwik-Cook Grill,” a grill that used newspaper as its primary fuel source.
Broadcasting Career and Coaching
Butkus returned to the Bears as a color analyst on radio broadcasts in 1985. He also joined CBS’s pregame show The NFL Today in 1988 as an analyst. In 2001, he was named the head coach of the XFL’s Chicago Enforcers franchise, where he later served as the league’s director of competition and a color commentator during regional telecasts.
A Brief Stint in High School Coaching
In 2005, as part of the ESPN reality series Bound for Glory, Butkus took on the role of head football coach at Montour High School in Pennsylvania. Though his coaching tenure was brief, it added another layer to his diverse career.
The Chicago Bears retired Butkus’s No. 51 jersey in 1994, honoring his outstanding contributions to the team and the sport of football.
As the world remembers this legendary figure, his impact on both the NFL and the entertainment industry will continue to be celebrated by fans, fellow athletes, and aspiring actors alike. Butkus married his high school sweetheart, Helen, in 1963 while they attended college. The couple had three children: Ricky, Matt, and Nikki.
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