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Dick Butkus

By James Alder, About.com

Born:

Richard Marvin Butkus - December 9, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois

Drafted: The Chicago Bears selected Dick Butkus in the first round of the 1965 NFL Draft. He was also selected by the Denver Broncos of the American Football League.

Years Played:

1965-1973

Position Played: Middle Linebacker

Played For: Chicago Bears

Alma Mater: Illinois

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: 1979

Uniform Number:

Dick Butkus wore jersey number 51 for the Chicago Bears. At Illinois, he wore number 50.

Notables:


An award, named in honor of Dick Butkus, was established in 1985 by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando. Each year, the Dick Butkus Award is presented to the nation's best collegiate linebacker.

Quote:


"I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anyone deliberately unless it was, you know, important —like a league game or something." -Dick Butkus

High School Highlights:


• AP Prep-Football Player of the Year

College Highlights:


• Selected All-American Twice
• American Football Coaches Association's Player of the Year
• Named Sporting News College Player of the Year (1964)
• Inducted into Rose Bowl Hall of Fame (1995)
• Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame (1983)

NFL Highlights:


• Named All-NFL Six Times
• Played in Eight Straight Pro Bowls
• Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year Twice
• Selected to 75th Anniversary All Time Team
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1979)

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