Dick Butkus Net Worth: The Fearless Linebacker of the Chicago Bears

Dick Butkus was an American football player who had a net worth of $10 million at the time of his death. Dick Butkus played as a middle linebacker in the NFL for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1973. Prior to that, he was a star college football player at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. After retiring from playing, Butkus ventured into acting, sports commentating, and philanthropy. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. Butkus was selected to eight Pro Bowls and was all-league six times. Duck Butkus died on October 5, 2023 at the age of 80.

Dick Butkus Early Life and High School

Dick Butkus was born on December 9, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois as the youngest of eight children of Lithuanian immigrant John, who worked as an electrician for the Pullman-Standard railroad car manufacturing company, and Emma, who worked at a Laundromat. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the Roseland neighborhood. As a teenager, Butkus went to Chicago Vocational High School, where he played football at a number of different positions. He went on to become a star high school athlete, and in 1959 was the first junior ever to be named Chicago’s high school player of the year by the Chicago Sun-Times.

Dick Butkus Age & Height

Dick Butkus was born on December 9, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, and passed away on October 5, 2023, at the age of 80. He stood tall at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters), which contributed to his imposing presence on the football field as a linebacker. His combination of height, strength, and agility made him a formidable force in the NFL, earning him recognition as one of the greatest linebackers in the sport’s history.

Dick Butkus Collegiate Career

Heavily recruited out of high school, Butkus ultimately decided to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. There, he played center and linebacker on the Fighting Illini football team from 1962 to 1964. Butkus had his greatest season at U of I in 1963-64, when he led his team to an 8-1-1 record and a Rose Bowl victory. Consequently, he was named MVP of both the Fighting Illini and the Big Ten. As a senior, Butkus once again was named Illini MVP, as well as Lineman of the Year by UPI and Player of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association.

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Dick Butkus Chicago Bears, 1971-1973

In September of 1971, the Bears played their first game at Chicago’s Soldier Field, their new official home. Butkus gave one of his greatest performances yet in the game, erasing a 12-point deficit in the fourth quarter to mount a major comeback win against the Steelers. He finished the season with team-leading stats of 117 tackles and four interceptions. Butkus also scored a game-winning point in the closing minutes of a game against the Washington Redskins, a play he would later call his favorite of his career. In 1972, Butkus made it to his eighth and final Pro Bowl. Butkus played his final year of football in 1973. Although his season was truncated after nine games due to a persistent knee injury, he managed to score the only touchdown of his career when he leapt on a fumble in the end zone in a game against the Houston Oilers. Ultimately, Butkus’s injury forced him to retire, which he did in May of 1974.

Dick Butkus Film and Television

Following his playing career, Butkus acted in numerous films and television shows. His film credits include “The Longest Yard,” “Gus,” “Cracking Up,” “Johnny Dangerously,” “Necessary Roughness,” and “Any Given Sunday.” On the small screen, Butkus had main roles on such series as “Blue Thunder” and “My Two Dads,” and also appeared in episodes of “Vega$,” “MacGyver,” and “Murder, She Wrote.” Additionally, Butkus has done commercial endorsements for various brands, including Prestone, Miller Lite, and Echo Tools. Butkus has also done color commentary and analysis for radio and television. In 1985, he joined Wayne Larrivee and Jim Hart for radio broadcasts of Bears games. Later in the decade, he served as a replacement analyst on the CBS television pregame show “The NFL Today.” Among his other appearances, Butkus appeared on the 2005 ESPN reality series “Bound for Glory,” which featured him coaching the Montour High School football team in Robinson, Pennsylvania.

Dick Butkus Business Ventures and Endorsements

Aside from his presence in the media, Dick Butkus also made smart moves in business. Over the years, he endorsed multiple brands and collaborated with companies that aligned with his tough-guy image. He endorsed everything from sports equipment to automobile brands, adding further to his income stream. By establishing a robust public image, he ensured that Dick net worth continued to grow well after his NFL days. One of his notable ventures was the establishment of the Butkus Award, given to the nation’s top linebacker in college football. While primarily a way to honor future talents, this award kept Butkus relevant in the sports world, strengthening his brand and opening doors for more endorsements and partnerships.

Dick Butkus Personal Life and Philanthropy

While still a student at U of I in 1963, Butkus wed his high school sweetheart and fellow Illini Helen Essenberg. Together, they had three children named Ricky, Matt, and Nikki. On the philanthropic side of things, Butkus created his own Butkus Foundation to contribute to charitable causes. Through the Foundation, he administers the Butkus Award, an elite individual honor for linebackers. The Foundation also runs initiatives supporting cardiovascular health and combating steroid use among high school athletes.

FAQs

When was Dick Butkus born?
Dick Butkus was born on December 9, 1942.

Where was Dick Butkus born?
He was born in Chicago, Illinois.

What position did Dick Butkus play in the NFL?
He played as a middle linebacker.

Which team did Dick Butkus play for?
He played his entire NFL career with the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1973.

How many Pro Bowls did Dick Butkus make?
Butkus was selected to eight Pro Bowls during his career.

Conclusion

Dick Butkus was a legendary figure in American football, celebrated for his remarkable skills as a linebacker and his impact on the game. With a career spanning from 1965 to 1973 with the Chicago Bears, he earned a reputation as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, marked by his eight Pro Bowl selections and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Beyond his athletic achievements, Butkus made significant contributions to acting, sports commentary, and philanthropy. His legacy continues to inspire future generations of athletes, and he will be remembered as a symbol of toughness and excellence in the sport.

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