- Born
- Died
- Birth nameRichard Marvin Butkus
- Nicknames
- The Robot of Destruction
- The Maestro of Mayhem
- The Enforcer
- The Animal
- Height6′ 3″ (1.91 m)
- Richard J. Butkus, "Dick", was born in Chicago, Illinois, December 9, 1942. He graduated from the University of Illinois where he was a two time All- American line backer. A first round draft pick of the Chicago Bears, Dick played for them from 1965-1973, and was named All-Pro linebacker seven times. Mr. Butkus was elected into the NFL "Football Hall of Fame" at Canton, Ohio. Many football gurus consider Dick Butkus the finest linebacker in the history of football.- IMDb Mini Biography By: RHall96319@aol.com
- SpouseHelen Essenhart(July 6, 1963 - October 5, 2023) (his death, 3 children)
- ChildrenMattNikki
- ParentsJohn William Butkus Sr.Emma Ramona Goodoff
- Considered to be the meanest linebacker ever to play football.
- Uniform number 51 retired by the Bears.
- Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
- Inducted into the ESPN Chicago Hall of Fame in 2011 (inaugural class) with Michael Jordan, Walter Payton, Ernie Banks, and Mike Ditka.
- Was of Lithuanian descent.
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