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Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus, one of the greatest defenders in NFL history and a Pro Football Hall of Famer, has passed away at age 80.
According to a report from TMZ Sports, paramedics responded to a call for a medical emergency at his home on Thursday afternoon. Butkus was unresponsive and pronounced dead at the scene.
A Chicago giant has passed. Bears linebacker Dick Butkus has died at 80. pic.twitter.com/qDQCnzGgPy
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) October 5, 2023
Butkus played with the Bears from 1965 to 1973 and was named Defensive Player of the Year two times. Over his nine-year career — which included 8 Pro Bowl nods — he recorded 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries.
The Bears legend was ultimately enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
Butkus is survived by his wife Helen and three children.
Our deepest condolences go out to the Butkus family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.
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