Legendary Bears linebacker Dick Butkus died Thursday at the age of 80, prompting an outpouring of messages from NFL fans celebrating the life of the Hall of Famer.
Butkus, who played exclusively for Chicago across a nine-year career, made eight Pro Bowls and was selected to five All-Pro teams, before ultimately being enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 during his first year of eligibility.
One of the greatest defensive players of all time, Butkus’s impact on the sport was not lost on the football world. As news of his passing spread, a multitude of heartfelt messages about his life, career, and legacy were posted on social media.
Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/8UEVuuZLwi
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 5, 2023
The NFL is mourning the loss of legendary Hall of Famer Dick Butkus. Our thoughts are with his family and the Bears organization. pic.twitter.com/arzssONXMB
— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2023
In the long, storied and glorious history of pro football, there has been no legend greater, no name more revered, no man more feared. Rest in peace, Dick Butkus, and thank you for leaving us all in awe every damn day of your life. pic.twitter.com/UFTbQA66Rb
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) October 5, 2023
Dick Butkus wasn’t just one of the greatest football players to ever play the game, he was a remarkable man. He was always there for me when I needed him. Now, these 3 #Bears legends are in heaven, sharing a drink, getting ready to watch the #TNF game from the best seats. Here's… pic.twitter.com/dzKa8n5p7x
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun) October 5, 2023
RIP Dick Butkus, #Bears legend
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) October 5, 2023
One of the most feared players in NFL history pic.twitter.com/sZ0pLiYM0c
The greatest to ever wear 51
— Will Compton (@_willcompton) October 5, 2023
RIP Dick Butkus pic.twitter.com/lL2x3svXGO
Godspeed Dick Butkus. I've not felt the same about him ever since Sports Illustrated sent that NFL Crunch Course free-with-subscrption VHS to the house and I heard him say this... pic.twitter.com/L73aDfmieO
— Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) October 5, 2023
NFL Hall of Famer and one of the hardest hitting linebackers I’ve ever seen in my lifetime, Dick Butkus, passed away today. May he rest in peace! Cookie and I are praying for his family and loved ones!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) October 5, 2023
Incredibly sad news. We are waiting for the Commanders-Bears game and mourning the loss of Bears great Dick Butkus. Growing up, Payton and Butkus were my heroes. One was pure "Sweetness"; the other pure savage... https://t.co/Cjw0iNQUGb
— Jonathan Turley (@JonathanTurley) October 5, 2023
rest in peace, dick butkus pic.twitter.com/ulLAmGuYUR
— mike taddow 🆓 (@MikeTaddow) October 5, 2023
