Dick Butkus.Photo:AP Photo
AP Photo
The NFL world is in mourning Thursday after the death ofDick Butkus.
TheChicago BearsHall of Famer died on Thursday at his home in Malibu, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE. He was 80.
“Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats,“NFL commissioner Roger Goodellsaid in a statement. “Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.”
Goodell remembered the late linebacker as “a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game.”
Dick Butkus.Dylan Buell/Getty
Dylan Buell/Getty
“Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear,” the Bears shared in theirstatement. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends.was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”
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“The NFL is mourning the loss of legendary Hall of Famer Dick Butkus. Our thoughts are with his family and the Bears organization,” the NFL’s statement read. The league added a photo of Butkus from his playing days.
Dick Butkus.Tony Tomsic via AP
Tony Tomsic via AP
Athletes, including those beyond the football world, paid their respects to the decorated star.
“This is Mick. I just learned of the passing of@ChicagoBearsLB Dick Butkus. My favorite all-time player,” WWE wrestler Mick Foley wrote. “I grew up with a poster of Butkus on my wall, and he signed it for me on the one occasion we met. A true legend.#RIPDickButkus.”
Former Chicago Cubs pitcher and coach Fergie Jenkins shared a photo of himself with Butkus on a baseball field, adding, “One of the greatest linebackers of all time and one heck of [a] guy. Chicago lost a legend.#dickbutkus.”
“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#Bearslegends are in heaven, sharing a drink, getting ready to watch the#TNFgame from the best seats. Here’s to you,@thedickbutkus,” Jarrett Payton, the son of another late Chicago legend, Walter Payton,wroteon X. “Your spirit will live on forever.#RIPButkus.”
“Rest in peace, Dick Butkus. LEGEND. One of the few whose name was a synonym for ‘NFL,'” Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsaywrote.
“I’m so sorry to hear that Dick has passed away,” Staci Keanan, who also starred inMy Two Dads, said in a statement to PEOPLE. “He was such a gentle, sweet, quiet man. He didn’t say much, but when he did, he was surprisingly funny. He wore Birkenstocks back when we worked together - they weren’t trendy then - it seemed to be because he had pain from his football days, and when he walked, he seemed to be in chronic pain. But he never complained about it.
“My Two Dadsdid an episode once that included a highlight reel from what was supposed to be Dick’s character’s football career,” Keanan continued. “(Dick played a diner owner, Klawicki, who was formerly a football player). The reel consisted of footage from Dick’s own real-life NFL career. When I saw it, I couldn’t believe all those massive tackles and sacks came from the gentle giant that I knew.”
Butkus also starred in the 1986 teen comedyHamburger: The Motion Picturewhich was about a school for aspiring fast-food franchise owners.
source: people.com
