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Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated
Sport
Jelani Scott

Bears Legend Dick Butkus Absolutely Roasted the Lions Ahead of 2023 NFL Season Opener

The 2023 NFL season has yet to begin, but the campaign already has an early nominee for “Burn of the Year” courtesy of Bears legend Dick Butkus.

Thursday’s highly-anticipated kickoff will see Patrick Mahomes lead the reigning Super Bowl champion Chiefs into battle against the Lions at home. And while many fans are looking forward to the matchup, there appears to be at least one glaring problem with the game for the Hall of Famer.

“I got excited that the NFL starts today… but then I realized it’s the Detroit Lions…,” Butkus posted on X (formerly Twitter) Thursday morning.

As a player known for his smash-mouth style, Butkus clearly still knows how to deliver a crushing blow to a division rival at a moment’s notice. Of course, with kickoff only a few hours away, however, the NFL likely hopes the sentiments behind the legendary linebacker’s now-viral roast aren’t shared by the masses come gametime.

While Butkus may be among those turning the channel, the first game of the ’23 campaign could present its share of drama, as the new-look Lions look to earn a statement win over the Chiefs, who could be without star Travis Kelce.

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