Dick Butkus, one of the most well-known Bears players in history, has died, his family and the team confirmed on Thursday. He was 80 years old.
The Butkus family shared that the legendary linebacker died peacefully in his sleep overnight at his home in Malibu, Calif. No cause of death was given in the announcement.
Butkus, a Chicago native, played for the Bears for his entire career from 1965 to ’73. During that span, he was named Defensive Player of the Year twice, made eight Pro Bowls and was a five-time first-team All-Pro. His No. 51 jersey went on to become one of the 14 numbers retired by the Bears.
