In the fall of '63 a group of us junior high school kids were playing a pickup game of football outside Memorial Stadium after the Illini game ended, when Dick and another player walked out, and stood watching us play. We invited them to join us, so they said they could for a couple of plays. Dick joined the other team. I was maybe 5'2" and 120 pounds, but I was our RB (small and quick, lol.) I took the ball up the middle and ran right into him. He had an awful grimace on his face as he scooped me up and lifted me over his head. I knew it was my last day on earth. Then he gently laid me on the ground and chuckled. He's been my football idol ever since, and I'm happy I got to watch him on tv for most of his career.
That's awesome my grandfather went to college in Kansas with wilt Chamberlain. They were playing a pick up game one day and wilt showed up...he said he was the greatest basketball player he's ever saw. 😊
In practice and aspiration, that standard is long gone, in every facet of life. I'm glad I grew up seeing that kind of dedication and integrity; one of the frustrations of older age is seeing how far we've fallen.
Every Friday night of every home home, my college football team gathered for one final team meeting before the game the next day. 100 young men and 10 coaches crammed into a classroom. Offensive Line Coach Hogan-with a mustache that would make Tom Selleck proud-would roll out the cathode ray TV to the front and pop in an old dingy VHS tape. The volume would be maxed out and we'd all be getting hyped up watching Dick Butkus highlights. Your unmatched intensity was a huge inspiration. You are legend. "Heroes get remembered, but legends never die."
This is the best NFL Films piece on Butkus bar none. Best highlights, music, array of players/coaches/officials and to top it off -narrated by the incomparable John Facenda!
October 5 2023. We will miss you greatly, thank you for all the Great memories, Lord Jesus please Bless his Soul and comfort his family, friends and Fans. RIP
R.I.P. Dick Butkus. The most feared man in the NFL. What a player. Toughness personified. How do I know. I saw him play live many times since I am an old fart. Off the field? A very nice man.
Words of another #75 Los Angeles Rams DT Deaçon Jones and Hall of Famer a long with #75 Mean Joe Greene and Hall of Fame inductees. Both from Historical Black Colleges University. HBCU'S
I got to meet Mr Butkis in a restaurant in Omaha NE one night in the late 90s nicest most patient person you could imagine especially with all the people interrupting his dinner asking for autographs and pics. Never once lost his temper. Today's athletes could learn so much from him. Just pure class and talent
Though he only played for 9 years, he played ALOT of minutes, especially his last 5 seasons, and it wore him down. Not to mention the cheap shots by OLmen. But Butkus was out there giving 110% on Every Snap. The Greatest. IMMHMFO
Dick "The Butcher" Butkus! Greatest player in the history of the game! "Religious fervor" was a great descriptor for how he played. However, when he was on the field he was representing the Commander and Chief below, scourging the offense with Hell fire and wrath. Butkus understood that like life, it's all about the mind. He bore into heads of his opponents as he snarled like a rabid beast. He shouted horrors and obscenities that caused an involuntary tremor amongst his enemies that eroded their ability to function . Then, he would HIT! He would HIT so hard it was known by all his bite was far worse than his bark. Dick Butkus, you were an inspiration to me as a young player. In the Pop Warner days, our defense would watch highlight reels of you on the bus for away games. The spirit you brought to the game permeated our defensive culture. We went to 5 national championships in a row...and your name was mentioned before every game. Seems like you were a gentle soul off the field. Rest in peace brother!
A True Natural Monster. At 6'3 and 245 he was hardly bigger than Lineman who were taller and weighed more, yet somehow through sheer will, he became bigger and stronger and threw them around.
The players today would eat the old timers for lunch. Unless the vets had the same training and sports medicine available. All of you are just fogeys - longing for the blurry ole days. It’s hilarious.
RIP, Dick. We will miss you. My 11 year old sons both play football. At the start of this season, they were asked if they had a preference for the number on their jersey. One of my boys said "51!." They both love this video.😢😢
Your famous NFL Films, your single-mindedness towards total devastation on the field helped put me in the right frame of mind a number of times in my life. Thanks, Mr. Butkus- you will be missed!
As a Vikings fan since 1968, you were the only player from another team, that I loved to watch play in the NFL. RIP Dick. You were THE BEST in your position… 😢👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️
I loved watching Butkus play because he was a beast. True story. My step dad went to CVS High School in Chicago. Butkus was a sophomore and My Step dad was a senior - who was often bullied because he was tall and skinny. One day he was being bullied at his locker when Butkus suddenly ran up and knocked both of the guys about 10 feet away from him. They got up and ran, and that was that. My Step Dad said he never saw either of them again, but he knew who Butkus was, and so did those bullies. LOL.
I'm a life long Bengals fan. But to me, Dick Butkus means football. Always had immense respect for the man. The way the man conducted himself on and off the field.
Oh come on. When I was in high school I got knocked out during half-speed practice. I still don't know how it happened - nobody does. When I came to, I didn't know where I was, who all these guys around me were, and why I had been sleeping in a field next to a factory. The 'factory' was the school building. My point is that guys getting their bell rung is common in football, not 'legend'.
I've run into Dick Butkus a couple times in the area of Naperville, Illinois. Once in his car (an Audi sedan, I think) and once at a grocery store. On neither occasion did he try to send me to the hospital or cemetery. He's a legitimately low-key dude who seems content to live that HOF lifestyle.
RIP to the most dominant defensive player of all time. There are a handful you can argue as who was the best including Dick but noone you can argue as more dominant. RIP Legend of the Midway.
I was in Las Vegas at the Stardust Hotel bar a few days prior to Super Bowl Vll being held at the La Coliseum in Los Angles. He was sitting by himself at a table having a drink and my buddy and I decided to walk up and say hello. He asked where we were from and when I said Texas he immediately ask if we were fans of the Cowgirls in Dallas. We told him no, we were Redskin fans and were going to the game. He shook our hands and invited us to have a drink with him. He was very polite and soft-spoken and had nothing nice to say about the girls from Dallas. Memorable experience.
No other LB was more feared, smarter, or consistently hit harder, he was truly the best LB ever, but those aren't my words or those of sports journalists, that's what the players that played against him have said in print, radio, and TV interviews. He played every single play, in his whole career, giving all his effort and with all his heart. "I stand before you with deep humility and pride. I proud of Chicago, and I'm proud to tell you that when I played for you, I gave it the very best I could". Dick Butkus
I only know of Mr Butkus through watching MacGyver where he played Earl Dent. He was an amusing guy. Watching this was like watching a nature programme where the prey is "taken down". Watching him in slow motion as he weights it up...and pounces. AWESOME...Just AWESOME. R.I.P. Mr BUTKUS...and thank you.
When I was younger playing football in the neighborhood. On defense I wanted to make every tackle like Dick Butkis and I was born in the south. He will be missed. His impact in the NFL will be long remembered. R.I.P.
Rest in peace Dick Butkus. Really feeling this loss by association with my Dad. I’ll never forget when I was a little 6 year old kid playing peewee football for the first time, not extremely passionate about the sport yet. It was then that my Dad introduced me to the famous NFL videotape “Crunchtime”, showcasing legends of the sport. My life changed at that point, because it was really highlighted how incredible the sport really is with all of the talent and toughness featured that makes it such a spectacle. It was then I realized the twinkle in my Dad’s eyes made so much sense when he would talk about these players. I wanted to be as cool as them, especially as cool as the greatest linebacker of all time, Dick Butkus.
I played football from 67 to 77, I was a middle linebacker, he was my hero and showed me every week how to hit and scare quarterbacks ....GOD BLESS him
There is only one other that I thought equaled him in ferocious intensity during that time. And that was Rich "Tombstone" Jackson. The man actually intimidated Lyle Alzado!
Watching Ndamukong Suh play when he was younger, reminded me of Butkis highlights. The rules today prevent the absolute assassinations that happened in the early 70s, but I think Suh mad ehis mark for a couple of years.
As a kid here in Chicago Butkus and Sayers were my introduction to NFL football. As a teenager I worked at Soldier Field and the proceeds from a pre-season game were going to a charity. Butkus showed up, I got to meet him and he was a really nice guy. Nothing like the beast we saw on Sundays.
Love Dick Butkus! His fundmentals were outstanding in the way he read the plays and squard up to tackle and wrapped up the opponent. Many young players today would benefit from watching his techniques.
I’m from Illinois and there were stories galore about Butkus, but one was that Butkus’ high school coach wouldn’t let Butkus scrimmage with his teammates. Seems Butkus couldn’t take it down a notch…..or three. RIP Big Guy.
My favorite middle linebacker of all-time!!! I was 16 years-old when Butkus premiered for the Bears in 1965 and I couldn't believe this guy!!! He made watching football even more fun!!
I never got to watch him play but my dad and grandfather told me stories about him which turned me into a bears fan which in turn is why i choose to play mlb and my number from little league to semi pro was 51
Of course the Bears went on to season after season of disappointment. But watching those guys play in their prime was truly something I’ll never forget!
I was close to the field sideline during a Chiefs/Bears game. The running back was running down the field in the grasp of a Bear defender. Butkus was charging at the two screaming “hold him up, hold him up”. The Chiefs runner dove to the ground when he heard that.
I used to go nearly annually to one of the GB/ Bears game . The players of the Sixies ,70s were so very much approachable ,accomadatng to fans .In that era ,the players often went back to their ":real" jobs during the off-season . It was not uncommon to see them doing the routine things folks did ,at the grocery store ,bringing kids to school , getting fast food , appearing at fund raisers , benefit basketball ,softball games At a movie cinema .Taking a bus or other Mass transit Driving regular sedans They were just " regular " folks . Just like Hey Dick , Hey Gayle ,Hey Bart , Hey Ray Hey Mike .A simple wave ,possibly a short neighborly chat . They weren't in Limos , nor driving outlandish vehicles .They were just like a lunch bucket ,thermos carrying dudes . I saw a pre season game with the Steelers in the 70s .Bumping into Lambert. ,and Green ( Mean Joe ) at the grocery store checkout .Obviously ,the players stuck out because of their size ,color etc. I remember ,that they had a pile of Ice Cream , and other snacks , Bottles of ":Pop" etc . They were certainly ominous looking guys that I would shake in my boots if I had to play against them on any given Sunday .But for the most part ,they were just Teddy Bearlike ,out in the community ..
I miss Dick Butkis! I'm not a Bears fan but I would watch their games just to see Butkis play. He was incredible! Usually you follow the ball, but when Butkis was on the field you followed him. Something interesting was always bound to happen!
Butkus was a brute..........great to see the D. Jones also. Back when football was real football. There are so many rules and regulations today.....it's just not the same. Nascar also...late 60's thru the 70's was the greatest time to be a driver and the most fun to watch. We had it all in the 1970's
Dick was a monster, no doubt. But what gets lost is that Butkus was an extremely intelligent football player. He knew where the play was going. On one leg, Dick could get into position for an interception or fumble. Butkus had a keen intuition, and an interest in psychic and psychological phenomena.
It's amazing what Butkus accomplished, considering he didn't have much help, outside of Buffone and O'Bradovich. And the Offense, especially after Sayers got hurt, was a mess. The QBs during Butkus' and Sayers' careers were Pathetic. My God, if only Halas would've kept George Allen and promoted him to HC back in '65.
@@lemontadams3029 Yeah, like I said, Butkus had very little help. Football is the ultimate team sport. One Man cannot do it alone. The Bears only had 2 winning seasons in Butkus' career. Yet his stats are as good or better than Taylor and Lewis, while playing 4 fewer seasons than Taylor and 8 fewer seasons than Lewis. Butkus averaged more Tackles per Season than both Lewis and Taylor; 20 more than Lewis. 30 more than Taylor. Butkus had 49 Takeaways to Taylor's 20; only 2 less than Lewis. Taylor and Lewis both played with other HOF/Pro Bowl talented Teammates. Butkus did not.
Butkus was my hero growing up. When I started high school football my freshman year, I was 4' 8" and weighed 62 lbs, so there's no way I was ever going to match him. However, I just gave it all and hit everybody as hard as I could. I put a fullback on his keester one time after I somehow slipped past three blockers. The official was laughing when he took the ball. I was never all that good, but I had a blast playing.
Baseball diamonds doubled as football fields. The Bears and Cubs both played games at Wrigley Field until Soldier Field was built and became the Bears’ home. The Lions played at Tiger Stadium, the Giants played at Yankee Stadium, etc.
@@smokesletsgo2374 Me too. It was sad when Oakland had the last real field, then in an instant, it was gone. The NFL today is honestly pretty hard to watch.
I wholeheartedly idolized him playing Pop Warner to high school football. Even had his #51 while starting defensive end and tight end. He was slightly before my time but I wish that I could've watched him play in person. He, Deacon Jones, Derrick Thomas, Reggie White, Mike (Mad Dog) Curtis and Ray Nitschke are my all time forever favorite defenders.
One of my top 10 heroes of all time, Butkus was a caring, loving human until he hit the playing field. Truly dominating both sides of the field, he was a warrior and a soldier making sure that you do NOT cross his line without punishment. He and Larry Csonka were my inspirations in high school and college. I WILL hurt you more than you can hurt me was the lesson. Love him to death and thank you for showing me that we can all be more than we ever imagined.
I remember the first time of hearing of Larry Csonka, it was on a football card, (I was never a Dolphins fan) and I remember thinking to myself, "How the heck do I even pronounce that?" but what I remember most is flipping the card over and seeing his numbers and saying, "Holy crap, who is this guy?"
I understand why you are saying what you have said. However please do not call him a soldier or a warrior. He never picked up a weapon and stood at a posting,he never fired a weapon at any enemy soldier and was never shot at by an enemy. Sports figures are not heroes or warriors, what they do on a field is a joke compared to what a soldier does in combat.
@@eac1235 You have proven yourself as a disgrace and a liar regarding our armed forces. I was a 6-year US Navy E-6 throttleman, Main Engine #3 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea for 5 years. Not once did I have a weapon in my hand and never was I "shot at" by any enemy that I'm aware. My Grandfathers were both military officers, my Dad was an E-9 Atomic Demolitions Munitions (ADM) expert and my brother was E-9 of the Air Force twice. IF you were actually an active soldier/sailor, I applaud and thank you for your service. However, the flag that I fly in front of my home signifies that I am an American and a US citizen with ALL of the rights and benefits due. My opinion of Butkus stands and I'll meet you anywhere and any time to defend it.
@@eac1235 Your comment is what's disgraceful! You do not have a clue about what being an American or a serviceman is. Part of it is to ensure Freedoms, like the right to have sports heroes and call them as such! Warriors too, especially football players. I come from a military family. My father was a Pearl Harbor survivor and Navy Corpsman with the Marines in the Pacific in WWII. Both my older brothers earned Vietnam ribbons; I barely missed going there myself. Your comment IS AN EMBARRASSMENT and a DUSGRACE! You obviously learned not one whit of respect or common sense while serving. Shameful attitude, sir. [I used a small case on "Sir" intentionally.]
Deacon Jones was a part of the fearsome foursome. And he was the fiercest of the 4. Therefore his poem rings true. And so did opponents heads of the Butkus Bear.
Probably one of nicest guys I ever met. We first met in 6th grade and from day one ,I met my older brother from a different Mother.We had some of the best and funniest times of our lives.Stories that would light a bar room and sad times that could bring a choir to tears . Thanks Dick for all the great times we had . Congoman
Best LB to ever play the game....1965-1973. Butkus would have a field day against the football "players" of today!!! He didn't need to dance...he was there to kick your ass!!! Never took a day off unlike lots of the overpaid stiffs in the NFL today!!
If Butkus played today, he'd have today's physical training, equipment, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc. He was a 6'3" 245 lb monster Then. He'd be banned from the league Now.
Butkus was that big THEN - without everything the guys have today . I repeat, if he had Today's training regimen, equipment, nutrition, medical/surgical knowledge and technology, playing conditions, dorks running out onto the field to give him his Gatorade sippy bottle between plays, LOL, etc, etc, etc , Please
You will be missed Mr. Butkus. You weren't just a Chicago Bear... you were THE Chicago Bear. And you were loved. RIP.
You quick wit it
RIP to a Legend.
today Dick Butkus would have turned 81, Sat 12/9/23
i think he was the best, according to all the running backs of the time--and later!
He is my favorite player to ever play the game. Im also a Packer fan. Some would call that sacreligious, I call it respect.
"To talk about him is to drain the vocabulary of superlatives" -great summary of Dick Butkus.
RIP Monster of the Midway 🙏 Greatest linebacker to ever play the game.
In the fall of '63 a group of us junior high school kids were playing a pickup game of football outside Memorial Stadium after the Illini game ended, when Dick and another player walked out, and stood watching us play. We invited them to join us, so they said they could for a couple of plays. Dick joined the other team. I was maybe 5'2" and 120 pounds, but I was our RB (small and quick, lol.) I took the ball up the middle and ran right into him. He had an awful grimace on his face as he scooped me up and lifted me over his head. I knew it was my last day on earth. Then he gently laid me on the ground and chuckled. He's been my football idol ever since, and I'm happy I got to watch him on tv for most of his career.
Great story!
Being driven into the dirt by Butkus there’s worse ways to go.
That's awesome my grandfather went to college in Kansas with wilt Chamberlain. They were playing a pick up game one day and wilt showed up...he said he was the greatest basketball player he's ever saw. 😊
Great story, thanks for sharing!
Amen...I never missed a Bears game either. Butkus/Sayers were must-see TV.
RIP Big Dog. The man that set the standard for Chicago Bears defense. Hopefully we can get back to that standard sooner than later.
In practice and aspiration, that standard is long gone, in every facet of life. I'm glad I grew up seeing that kind of dedication and integrity; one of the frustrations of older age is seeing how far we've fallen.
its only been 40 years since you won a meaningful game
Every Friday night of every home home, my college football team gathered for one final team meeting before the game the next day. 100 young men and 10 coaches crammed into a classroom. Offensive Line Coach Hogan-with a mustache that would make Tom Selleck proud-would roll out the cathode ray TV to the front and pop in an old dingy VHS tape. The volume would be maxed out and we'd all be getting hyped up watching Dick Butkus highlights.
Your unmatched intensity was a huge inspiration. You are legend.
"Heroes get remembered, but legends never die."
RIP to a man, who I would argue, was the greatest linebacker there was... He set the standard for what a linebacker would be.
Rest in peace Butkus. A warrior on the field and true Monster of the Midway
Rest easy 51. Absolute epitome of toughness and tenacity on the football field. A legend and the GOAT.
Watching Dick Butkus highlights never gets old.
"He was Moby Dick in a gold fish bowl" One of the best lines I have ever heard!!!
Hubman Spencer more like "Jaws in a hole fish bowl."
Illogical!
"Roses are red,violets are blue. if you have any sense at all,you will keep Butkus away fro you." thats the best line. Butkus was the man.
It's classic !
NFL Films used to be majestic
This is the best NFL Films piece on Butkus bar none. Best highlights, music, array of players/coaches/officials and to top it off -narrated by the incomparable John Facenda!
RIP Dick. I remember the days. We're all old now but still remember the good old days when football was great!!
October 5 2023. We will miss you greatly, thank you for all the Great memories, Lord Jesus please Bless his Soul and comfort his family, friends and Fans. RIP
😅😅😊
Perhaps the greatest to ever play the game. He revolutionized the game. Rest easy, sir.
RIP Butkus. One of the greatest all time
No...the greatest
@@richardhuffman8903 I’m a huge bears fan but I think LT may have him beat
@@Ditka-89LT cranked himself up with cocaine before games.
You won’t find Butkus doing that.
I'm not even a bears fan but I can & have watched this over & over again. I miss the real NFL football I grew up on
i would love to see him play against Brady, Rodgers, and poor little Murray...
Roughing the QB. It's a joke.
The players voted on the current style of play to reduce injuries and concussion issues
@@michaelwall2304 He wouldn't be able to catch Murray.
You and me both friend
R.I.P. Dick Butkus. The most feared man in the NFL. What a player. Toughness personified. How do I know. I saw him play live many times since I am an old fart. Off the field? A very nice man.
RIP, to the original monster of midway animal. The best of the best linebacker to ever play the game.
Rip to the the original monster of the midway. Everyone viewing this video knows this man is the goat
The NFL Films interviews with the guys from this era are absolute gems. So many great characters.
I could listen to Art Donavan talk all day!
And they could talk in complete sentences!
"He wasn't trying to put u in the hospital, he was trying to put u in the cemetery!" Now that's GANGSTA!
You actually described Bill Romanowski and Vontaze Burfict
@@dionr1168 not really. burficts hit would been just normal in butkus era
And that come from a All-Pro Beast of man himself Deacon Jones now that's saying a lot🏈
Words of another #75 Los Angeles Rams DT Deaçon Jones and Hall of Famer a long with #75 Mean Joe Greene and Hall of Fame inductees. Both from Historical Black Colleges University. HBCU'S
North Texas State where Green attended, was not an HBCU....just for the record
"... the single most sustained work of devastation ever committed on a football field."
Beautifully put.
That about sums it up.
The man was terrifying....no doubt about it.
Don't forget Jack Youngblood.
Said by the voice of god you know it’s true
The goat linebacker
RIP The master ! Bears Legend and NFL Legend....I had this on VHS in the 1980s and watched it all the time.
I got to meet Mr Butkis in a restaurant in Omaha NE one night in the late 90s nicest most patient person you could imagine especially with all the people interrupting his dinner asking for autographs and pics. Never once lost his temper. Today's athletes could learn so much from him. Just pure class and talent
And Butkus was a decent gut, too.
Great Story, this put a smile on my face
Can't keep a good "Lugan" down.
I met Butkus his rookie year at a hotel in Green Bay. One of the best moments of my life. Also met Brian Piccolo and Sayers and Ditka
@@doublej7678 WOW
I was to little than
Not only was Butkus tough as nails, he was smart as a whip too. He's everything you'd want in a LB. It's a shame he didn't play on better teams.
Though he only played for 9 years, he played ALOT of minutes, especially his last 5 seasons, and it wore him down. Not to mention the cheap shots by OLmen. But Butkus was out there giving 110% on Every Snap. The Greatest. IMMHMFO
I wish the Bears could do what Dick Butkus did, especially to the Goddamn Packers & Aaron Rodgers!
@@redmanr5522 no need to talk bad about your owner like that 😭🤣🤣🤣🤣
He could intercept
It must kill him (it does me)to see the money they make NOW -RIDICULOUS!!!!!
Dick "The Butcher" Butkus! Greatest player in the history of the game! "Religious fervor" was a great descriptor for how he played. However, when he was on the field he was representing the Commander and Chief below, scourging the offense with Hell fire and wrath. Butkus understood that like life, it's all about the mind. He bore into heads of his opponents as he snarled like a rabid beast. He shouted horrors and obscenities that caused an involuntary tremor amongst his enemies that eroded their ability to function . Then, he would HIT! He would HIT so hard it was known by all his bite was far worse than his bark.
Dick Butkus, you were an inspiration to me as a young player. In the Pop Warner days, our defense would watch highlight reels of you on the bus for away games. The spirit you brought to the game permeated our defensive culture. We went to 5 national championships in a row...and your name was mentioned before every game. Seems like you were a gentle soul off the field. Rest in peace brother!
When football was football and monsters roamed the field.
Now it's when men wear diapers and now it's babies who play
A True Natural Monster. At 6'3 and 245 he was hardly bigger than Lineman who were taller and weighed more, yet somehow through sheer will, he became bigger and stronger and threw them around.
You mean when you could really hit someone?
They left every neuron out on the field.
The players today would eat the old timers for lunch. Unless the vets had the same training and sports medicine available. All of you are just fogeys - longing for the blurry ole days. It’s hilarious.
Greatest linebacker ever! No one I the NFL today could take the punishment that man dished out.
Hahahaha that's for sure
word- not even ray lewis in his league.
Dick is #2 to LT
Dick Butkus would make a great character in Adam Sandlers longest yard movie
@@johnwhite2576 stop
RIP, Dick. We will miss you. My 11 year old sons both play football. At the start of this season, they were asked if they had a preference for the number on their jersey. One of my boys said "51!." They both love this video.😢😢
A true Chicago legend. Thanks for the memories Dick. RIP
He was all that....
Back in the day.
I'm 62 now and I still smile every time I hear his name.
Me too!!
@@chriswertz1438 ...63
Absolutely!!
Born in '60. Bears fan in '65. Butkus and Sayers were the Best. Nobody like them before or since. Period. BTW, LIKE 34. Loved Payton, too.
@@carlweaver3243 someone was saying gayle sayers was Barry sanders before Barry sanders existed 🤯 I gotta look up his videos
Your famous NFL Films, your single-mindedness towards total devastation on the field helped put me in the right frame of mind a number of times in my life.
Thanks, Mr. Butkus- you will be missed!
As a Vikings fan since 1968, you were the only player from another team, that I loved to watch play in the NFL. RIP Dick. You were THE BEST in your position… 😢👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️
I loved watching Butkus play because he was a beast. True story. My step dad went to CVS High School in Chicago. Butkus was a sophomore and My Step dad was a senior - who was often bullied because he was tall and skinny. One day he was being bullied at his locker when Butkus suddenly ran up and knocked both of the guys about 10 feet away from him. They got up and ran, and that was that. My Step Dad said he never saw either of them again, but he knew who Butkus was, and so did those bullies. LOL.
Chicago had 2 of the best, Butkus and Sweetness. RIP Walter. You are not forgotten!
Ummmmm...what about Gale Sayers?
I'm a life long Bengals fan. But to me, Dick Butkus means football. Always had immense respect for the man. The way the man conducted himself on and off the field.
@@LowerTheBoom Anthony Munoz
And I had season passes at Wrigley field when he came up with Gale Sayers and Dick Gordon
It's a shame the bears destroyed his knees
I am 67 years old and have seen a lot of tough players but i have to admit he stands alone . Awesome player
This time period had the best music in NFL documentaries... Absolutely as epic as Dick Butkus!
They don't do em like they used to
So Butkus hit a dude so hard he literally didn’t know who he was. Legend.
So Vontaze Burfict hit a dude so hard he literally didn’t know who he was.
Legend.
Happened to me once. My first thoughts when coming back were who am I who am I who am I who am i.
@Fak UA-cam: So Chuck Norris once hit a dude so hard his parents forgot who they were. . . .
Wilbur Marshall did the same thing to Joe Ferguson in week 16. Ferguson 30 plus years later still can't remember the hit or the next 3 days.
Oh come on. When I was in high school I got knocked out during half-speed practice. I still don't know how it happened - nobody does. When I came to, I didn't know where I was, who all these guys around me were, and why I had been sleeping in a field next to a factory. The 'factory' was the school building. My point is that guys getting their bell rung is common in football, not 'legend'.
I've run into Dick Butkus a couple times in the area of Naperville, Illinois. Once in his car (an Audi sedan, I think) and once at a grocery store. On neither occasion did he try to send me to the hospital or cemetery.
He's a legitimately low-key dude who seems content to live that HOF lifestyle.
RIP to the most dominant defensive player of all time. There are a handful you can argue as who was the best including Dick but noone you can argue as more dominant. RIP Legend of the Midway.
That is truly satisfying to watch an artist at work. Doing what he did best.. Being a human wreaking machine!!!!! Rest in Peace Beast Incarnate.
I was in Las Vegas at the Stardust Hotel bar a few days prior to Super Bowl Vll being held at the La Coliseum in Los Angles. He was sitting by himself at a table having a drink and my buddy and I decided to walk up and say hello. He asked where we were from and when I said Texas he immediately ask if we were fans of the Cowgirls in Dallas. We told him no, we were Redskin fans and were going to the game. He shook our hands and invited us to have a drink with him. He was very polite and soft-spoken and had nothing nice to say about the girls from Dallas. Memorable experience.
No other LB was more feared, smarter, or consistently hit harder, he was truly the best LB ever, but those aren't my words or those of sports journalists, that's what the players that played against him have said in print, radio, and TV interviews. He played every single play, in his whole career, giving all his effort and with all his heart.
"I stand before you with deep humility and pride. I proud of Chicago, and I'm proud to tell you that when I played for you, I gave it the very best I could".
Dick Butkus
He couldn't even make the team today, too slow, too dirty.
@@randyrobles8595 sure he would have. He would have benefitted from today's training. But his heart & determination are what todays player's $$$ lack!
@@MrAugusta314 I think in 10 years there will be no more white boys out there, and no we don't need a white QB anymore.
Derrick Thomas came close IMO.
@@whammofammo7346 Anybody remember Mike Curtis?
I only know of Mr Butkus through watching MacGyver where he played Earl Dent. He was an amusing guy. Watching this was like watching a nature programme where the prey is "taken down". Watching him in slow motion as he weights it up...and pounces. AWESOME...Just AWESOME. R.I.P. Mr BUTKUS...and thank you.
This music is CLASSIC! It totally makes Dick Butkus into a heroic figure--like an ancient warrior legend!
for real...
GregoryTheGr8ster Hell yeah
Better than the shit music produce today. UA-camrs need to take notes and use better music than hip hop
Love this man. Epitomized football the way it should be played, period.
When I was younger playing football in the neighborhood. On defense I wanted to make every tackle like Dick Butkis and I was born in the south. He will be missed. His impact in the NFL will be long remembered. R.I.P.
Mr. Butkus, you are one of my all-time heros. Rest in peace.
RIP Dick Butkus. Best middle man to ever do it.
Rest in peace Dick Butkus. Really feeling this loss by association with my Dad. I’ll never forget when I was a little 6 year old kid playing peewee football for the first time, not extremely passionate about the sport yet. It was then that my Dad introduced me to the famous NFL videotape “Crunchtime”, showcasing legends of the sport. My life changed at that point, because it was really highlighted how incredible the sport really is with all of the talent and toughness featured that makes it such a spectacle. It was then I realized the twinkle in my Dad’s eyes made so much sense when he would talk about these players. I wanted to be as cool as them, especially as cool as the greatest linebacker of all time, Dick Butkus.
RIP to the standard by which all linebackers are measured.
Rest in Peace legend, for ever you will be remembered as the monster of the midway.
I played football from 67 to 77, I was a middle linebacker, he was my hero and showed me every week how to hit and scare quarterbacks ....GOD BLESS him
The absolute undisputed meanest badass that ever played the game.
There is only one other that I thought equaled him in ferocious intensity during that time. And that was Rich "Tombstone" Jackson. The man actually intimidated Lyle Alzado!
@@RedElephantStampede Jackson was a beast...too bad he got hurt.
Joe Green and Jack Lambert were bad ass boys too. Just to name a couple .
Watching Ndamukong Suh play when he was younger, reminded me of Butkis highlights. The rules today prevent the absolute assassinations that happened in the early 70s, but I think Suh mad ehis mark for a couple of years.
@@michaelangelo9024 indeed!😊
Butkus! The perfect name for a football player. Legendary!
Hey rickey ditka is a good one to
'Butkus' is Lithuanian for 'collision'.
There was a great commercial on TV in Chicago. Both retired they meet in a bar. The only dialogue was. “Butkus”. “Ditka”.
Who's here just after learning of his passing what a legend.
As a kid here in Chicago Butkus and Sayers were my introduction to NFL football.
As a teenager I worked at Soldier Field and the proceeds from a pre-season game were going to a charity.
Butkus showed up, I got to meet him and he was a really nice guy.
Nothing like the beast we saw on Sundays.
RIP Mr. Butkus - i enjoyed watching your highlights - true football MONSTER
I used to watch when I was in highschool and I wish they still played it this way no holds bared
Love Dick Butkus! His fundmentals were outstanding in the way he read the plays and squard up to tackle and wrapped up the opponent. Many young players today would benefit from watching his techniques.
Deacon Jones was the greatest storyteller he really should have gotten into television
Bruh he and Bill Russell can hustle a story/
Deacon Jones' bust is talking to Butkins' bust in Hall of Fame
@@michaelbates4664 nice
I gotta go there
He did do some work in Hollywood back in the 60s, and, believe it or not, The Fearsome Foursome sang as well. . .
Deacon Jones and Magic Johnson together would have been the greatest talk show ever.
I’m from Illinois and there were stories galore about Butkus, but one was that Butkus’ high school coach wouldn’t let Butkus scrimmage with his teammates. Seems Butkus couldn’t take it down a notch…..or three. RIP Big Guy.
Best middle linebacker to ever play the game
My favorite middle linebacker of all-time!!! I was 16 years-old when Butkus premiered for the Bears in 1965 and I couldn't believe this guy!!! He made watching football even more fun!!
A member of my MLB Mt. Rushmore.....Butkus, Ray Nitschke, Jack Lambert, Willie Lanier.
I never got to watch him play but my dad and grandfather told me stories about him which turned me into a bears fan which in turn is why i choose to play mlb and my number from little league to semi pro was 51
@@jayamburn1959 do i know you
I was 15 and from Chicago. Huge bears fan. When we got Butkus,sakers and Gordon we thought we were going all the way. Such an exciting time!
Of course the Bears went on to season after season of disappointment. But watching those guys play in their prime was truly something I’ll never forget!
Most intimidating defensive player ever. But not just intimidating, he was a GREAT player as well. One of the top 5 linebackers to ever play the game.
I was close to the field sideline during a Chiefs/Bears game. The running back was running down the field in the grasp of a Bear defender. Butkus was charging at the two screaming “hold him up, hold him up”. The Chiefs runner dove to the ground when he heard that.
He separated men from their souls.
that's awesome
😂
I lost it reading this post. hahaha
This is the best Dick Butkus story I ever heard, you know he wanted to whump up side of that head!
I met Butkus his rookie year at a hotel in Green Bay. One of the best moments of my life. Also met Brian Piccolo and Sayers and Ditka
A great moment indeed
Were you an NFL head coach at the time?
@@paulsteeno6816 No.
I met Jim Otto when he opened a Burger King. He was kind of a dick.
I used to go nearly annually to one of the GB/ Bears game . The players of the Sixies ,70s were so very much approachable ,accomadatng to fans .In that era ,the players often went back to their ":real" jobs during the off-season . It was not uncommon to see them doing the routine things folks did ,at the grocery store ,bringing kids to school , getting fast food , appearing at fund raisers , benefit basketball ,softball games At a movie cinema .Taking a bus or other Mass transit Driving regular sedans They were just " regular " folks . Just like Hey Dick , Hey Gayle ,Hey Bart , Hey Ray Hey Mike .A simple wave ,possibly a short neighborly chat . They weren't in Limos , nor driving outlandish vehicles .They were just like a lunch bucket ,thermos carrying dudes . I saw a pre season game with the Steelers in the 70s .Bumping into Lambert. ,and Green ( Mean Joe ) at the grocery store checkout .Obviously ,the players stuck out because of their size ,color etc. I remember ,that they had a pile of Ice Cream , and other snacks , Bottles of ":Pop" etc . They were certainly ominous looking guys that I would shake in my boots if I had to play against them on any given Sunday .But for the most part ,they were just Teddy Bearlike ,out in the community ..
I miss Dick Butkis! I'm not a Bears fan but I would watch their games just to see Butkis play. He was incredible! Usually you follow the ball, but when Butkis was on the field you followed him. Something interesting was always bound to happen!
This was my hero when I was growing up, this was when football was football!
When football was a battle of giants...love this clip. Dick Butkus were the first words I spoke when I was a baby thanks to my big brother.
That's actually really cool
As soon as we learned to walk , dad taught us kids the 3 point stance and blocking. Even my sisters.
The Bears tradition of middle linebackers is unparalleled in NFL history. Mr. Butkus RIP.
Not just the greatest linebacker of all time, but the greatest defensive player of all time! Period!
That one play, going for the QB, he looked like a kid Xmas morning. Full of joy and happiness.
That's because every Sunday was Christmas to him!
It was a pleasure watching him, I watched his entire career. If you played against Dick Butkus You did not know if you're going to play next week.
My dad knew him, it took a huge toll on his body, especially his knees. He could barely walk after he retired from football, and was in a lot of pain.
With the surgery they have now he would have played a couple more years
@@bluesky6985 toradol
I was thinking that; loved him but what punishment for his body.
Broke the mold after butkus,nobody even comes close.
Jeff Montville or is he the mold that everyone tries to use but can’t figure out how to
Butkus was a brute..........great to see the D. Jones also. Back when football was real football. There are so many rules and regulations today.....it's just not the same. Nascar also...late 60's thru the 70's was the greatest time to be a driver and the most fun to watch. We had it all in the 1970's
One of the greatest defensive players of all time. A man of Greatness that never knelt for the National Anthem.
Wtf does kneeling have to do with what kind of player he was? Last time I looked, people that look like Butkus weren't victims of systemic racism.
Today's football might as well be Flag Football by these standards! Butkus was just 1 Bad Ass......PERIOD!
With today's rules, the officials would just throw a flag for Mr. Butkus taking the field.
It'd be an automatic personal foul.
regularsharp deadass tho, watching old football and modern. I prefer old 10/10
He wouldn’t do well in today’s game because the blockers would be creaming his rear end on *every* play.
Today's NFL is weak and soft.
Haven't watched it for many yrs.
When you scare OJ, you know you’re a real monster. What a beast!
Nobody could narrate NFL highlight film like John Facenda.
Dick was a monster, no doubt. But what gets lost is that Butkus was an extremely intelligent football player. He knew where the play was going. On one leg, Dick could get into position for an interception or fumble. Butkus had a keen intuition, and an interest in psychic and psychological phenomena.
Dick was smarter than most coaches. He outplayed them
Everything has been "dumbed down" in football since Butkus played...(1965-1973).
It's amazing what Butkus accomplished, considering he didn't have much help, outside of Buffone and O'Bradovich. And the Offense, especially after Sayers got hurt, was a mess. The QBs during Butkus' and Sayers' careers were Pathetic. My God, if only Halas would've kept George Allen and promoted him to HC back in '65.
But he couldn't lead a winner. That's why ultimately player's like Ray Lewis and Lawrence Taylor rank ahead of him
@@lemontadams3029
Yeah, like I said, Butkus had very little help. Football is the ultimate team sport. One Man cannot do it alone. The Bears only had 2 winning seasons in Butkus' career. Yet his stats are as good or better than Taylor and Lewis, while playing 4 fewer seasons than Taylor and 8 fewer seasons than Lewis.
Butkus averaged more Tackles per Season than both Lewis and Taylor; 20 more than Lewis. 30 more than Taylor. Butkus had 49 Takeaways to Taylor's 20; only 2 less than Lewis. Taylor and Lewis both played with other HOF/Pro Bowl talented Teammates. Butkus did not.
Butkus was my hero growing up. When I started high school football my freshman year, I was 4' 8" and weighed 62 lbs, so there's no way I was ever going to match him. However, I just gave it all and hit everybody as hard as I could. I put a fullback on his keester one time after I somehow slipped past three blockers. The official was laughing when he took the ball. I was never all that good, but I had a blast playing.
I love the fact that the fields back then didn’t have to be in pristine, perfect condition to be played on
Some real muddy gridiron playing
Baseball diamonds doubled as football fields. The Bears and Cubs both played games at Wrigley Field until Soldier Field was built and became the Bears’ home. The Lions played at Tiger Stadium, the Giants played at Yankee Stadium, etc.
That's true! The men in charge of that were mostly war veterans, including the players and didn't give a rats azz what people thought.
@@humphreygruntwhistle3946 The "NFL in baseball stadiums" era is my favorite period in football history. Now they play in freaking space ships
@@smokesletsgo2374 Me too. It was sad when Oakland had the last real field, then in an instant, it was gone.
The NFL today is honestly pretty hard to watch.
baddest linebacker i've ever seen
I wholeheartedly idolized him playing Pop Warner to high school football. Even had his #51 while starting defensive end and tight end. He was slightly before my time but I wish that I could've watched him play in person. He, Deacon Jones, Derrick Thomas, Reggie White, Mike (Mad Dog) Curtis and Ray Nitschke are my all time forever favorite defenders.
Simply the GOAT Of Linebackers!
One of my top 10 heroes of all time, Butkus was a caring, loving human until he hit the playing field. Truly dominating both sides of the field, he was a warrior and a soldier making sure that you do NOT cross his line without punishment. He and Larry Csonka were my inspirations in high school and college. I WILL hurt you more than you can hurt me was the lesson. Love him to death and thank you for showing me that we can all be more than we ever imagined.
I remember the first time of hearing of Larry Csonka, it was on a football card, (I was never a Dolphins fan) and I remember thinking to myself, "How the heck do I even pronounce that?" but what I remember most is flipping the card over and seeing his numbers and saying, "Holy crap, who is this guy?"
I understand why you are saying what you have said. However please do not call him a soldier or a warrior. He never picked up a weapon and stood at a posting,he never fired a weapon at any enemy soldier and was never shot at by an enemy. Sports figures are not heroes or warriors, what they do on a field is a joke compared to what a soldier does in combat.
@@eac1235 You have proven yourself as a disgrace and a liar regarding our armed forces. I was a 6-year US Navy E-6 throttleman, Main Engine #3 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea for 5 years. Not once did I have a weapon in my hand and never was I "shot at" by any enemy that I'm aware. My Grandfathers were both military officers, my Dad was an E-9 Atomic Demolitions Munitions (ADM) expert and my brother was E-9 of the Air Force twice. IF you were actually an active soldier/sailor, I applaud and thank you for your service. However, the flag that I fly in front of my home signifies that I am an American and a US citizen with ALL of the rights and benefits due. My opinion of Butkus stands and I'll meet you anywhere and any time to defend it.
@@DaveLeach697 thank you for your service , I was in the navy myself
@@eac1235 Your comment is what's disgraceful!
You do not have a clue about what being an American or a serviceman is. Part of it is to ensure Freedoms, like the right to have sports heroes and call them as such! Warriors too, especially football players.
I come from a military family. My father was a Pearl Harbor survivor and Navy Corpsman with the Marines in the Pacific in WWII. Both my older brothers earned Vietnam ribbons; I barely missed going there myself.
Your comment IS AN EMBARRASSMENT and a DUSGRACE! You obviously learned not one whit of respect or common sense while serving. Shameful attitude, sir. [I used a small case on "Sir" intentionally.]
I made linebacker for my high school team my dad made me watch Dick Butkus plays to help me "learn" my position. Lol...good old days
Boy....I loved to watch him play. Back when football was fun.
I just love watching clips of Butkus. I am truly amazed that this man intimidated so many. You will be missed.
Deacon Jones was a part of the fearsome foursome. And he was the fiercest of the 4. Therefore his poem rings true. And so did opponents heads of the Butkus Bear.
Probably one of nicest guys I ever met. We first met in 6th grade and from day one ,I met my older brother from a different Mother.We had some of the best and funniest times of our lives.Stories that would light a bar room and sad times that could bring a choir to tears . Thanks Dick for all the great times we had . Congoman
Dick played the last few years of hie career was with BAD knees. I'm old enough I remember watching him play on TV. He was a great!!!
That was when football was a real sport. One of the most incredible players to have ever played. I miss those days.
Best LB to ever play the game....1965-1973. Butkus would have a field day against the
football "players" of today!!! He didn't need to dance...he was there to kick your ass!!!
Never took a day off unlike lots of the overpaid stiffs in the NFL today!!
lol I would love to see this guy try to get penetration on today's offensive line
If Butkus played today, he'd have today's physical training, equipment, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc, etc. He was a 6'3" 245 lb monster Then. He'd be banned from the league Now.
All linebackers are that big now. If you think Butkus is any better than Ray Lewis or other similar Mikes, then you're just living in your nostalgia
Butkus was that big THEN - without everything the guys have today . I repeat, if he had Today's training regimen, equipment, nutrition, medical/surgical knowledge and technology, playing conditions, dorks running out onto the field to give him his Gatorade sippy bottle between plays, LOL, etc, etc, etc , Please
MisterMasterShafter1 he was slow as fuck. He couldn’t catch the players of today. He could barely catch white running backs.
My heart aches…. RIP 🪦 Butkus!!! Forever best line backer
An absolute LEGEND....R.I.P.