The household of Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame linebacker and Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus confirmed final month that the NFL icon died in his sleep at his dwelling in Malibu, however his official explanation for loss of life was revealed this week.
Butkus, who was 80, died froma “cerebrovascular accident,” or a stroke, CBS Sports activities reported, citing the Los Angeles Division of Public Well being.
Linebacker Dick Butkus of the Chicago Bears pursues the play in opposition to the Pittsburgh Steelers throughout an NFL soccer sport September 19, 1971, at Soldier Subject in Chicago. Butkus performed for the Bears from 1965 to 1973. (Concentrate on Sport/Getty Photos)
His loss of life certificates additionally listed a variety of secondary causes, together with an irregular heartbeat and excessive ldl cholesterol, and revealed that the five-time first-team All-Professional additionally underwent coronary bypass surgical procedure in 2001.
DICK BUTKUS, HALL OF FAMER AND LEGENDARY BEARS LINEBACKER, DEAD AT 80
Thought-about one of many best defensive gamers of all time, Butkus spent all 9 seasons of his NFL profession from 1965 to 1973 with the Bears, incomes eight Professional Bowl nods. He was additionally named Defensive Participant of the 12 months in back-to-back seasons (1969-1970).
“Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped outline the linebacker place as one of many NFL’s all-time greats,” NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated in an announcement on the time.
Dick Butkus performed linebacker for the Chicago Bears. (Getty Photos)
“Dick’s instinct, toughness and athleticism made him the mannequin linebacker whose identify will ceaselessly be linked to the place and the Chicago Bears.”
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Butkus stayed true to his Chicago roots all through his profession, enjoying a number of positions at Chicago Vocational Excessive earlier than occurring to play on the College of Illinois. After being drafted in 1965 by each the Bears and Denver Broncos, Butkus determined to play near dwelling.
“He was Chicago’s son,” Bears chairman George McCaskey stated in an announcement final month. “He exuded what our nice metropolis is about and, not coincidentally, what George Halas seemed for in a participant: toughness, smarts, instincts, ardour and management. He refused to just accept something lower than the most effective from himself, or from his teammates.”
Butkus was named to the Corridor of Fame All-Nineteen Sixties and All-Seventies groups and was enshrined into the Corridor of Fame in 1979. (Michael Hickey/Getty Photos)
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Butkus was named to the Corridor of Fame All-Nineteen Sixties and All-Seventies groups and was enshrined into the Corridor of Fame in 1979.
Fox Information’ Ryan Gaydos and the Related Press contributed to this report.
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