It is with profound sadness that the family of Dick Butkus announces his passing on October 5, 2023 at the age of 80. Richard Marvin Butkus was an American football player, actor, and sports commentator. He was one of the most imposing and feared linebackers in professional football history. Butkus was born in Chicago's South Side in 1942. He attended Clayton Mark Twain Elementary, and was set to become a priest. Instead, he chose to pursue his passion for sports, joining the University of Illinois in 1962 and playing through the end of the 1964 season. After his collegiate career, he was signed by the Chicago Bears as the third pick in the 1965 NFL Draft. Butkus played nine remarkable seasons for the Bears as linebacker, with 8 interceptions, 22 fumble recoveries, and 27 sacks under his belt. During his years with the Bears, Butkus was selected to the All-Pro Team eight times and is one of only two Bears to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. He also enjoyed successful stints as a television and film actor and a sports commentator. He was the host of the 1971 The NFL Today pregame show, appeared in many television films and series, such as Webster, and was the announcer for the NFL on CBS from 1989 to 1997. Dick Butkus was an incomparable giant in his field, earning many legacy awards for his dedication to professional football activity that continues to inspire today's athletes. He is survived by his children Matt and Tracee. He will forever be remembered as a beloved son, father, and sports great.