Richard Marvin Butkus popularly known as Dick Butkus has died at the age of 80. We explore the cause of his death and net worth.
He was an American football player, sports commentator and actor. Dick Butkus played football as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL) from 1965 to 1973.
He was two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Dick Butkus was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, and his iconic No. 51 was retired in 1994.
His death has left the NFL fraternity sad and devastated. Many have taken to social media to sympathize with the family of Dick Butkus.
Following his death, we take deep dive into the cause of his death and his net worth.
What was the cause of Dick Butkus’s death?
According to the statement released by the family of Dick Butkus, the NFL Legend died in his sleep. Per the statement, Butkus died in his sleep at his home in Malibu, California.
The statement reads, “The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California. The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support.”
His death has got many paying tributes to him on social media. The NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodsell in a statement paid tribute to the NFL Legend.
He said, “Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats. Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.”
“We also remember Dick as a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game. The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers. Dick was a champion of clean sports as his “I Play Clean” campaign helped raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athlete,” the NFL Commissioner added
Former NFL running back Jarrett Payton also paid tribute to Dick Butkus.
He said, “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.”
What’s the net worth of Dick Butkus?
Dick Butkus net worth according to reports online indicates that the NFL Legend had a net worth of $8 million. Butkus probably did not make all this money from his footballing career but also as a sports commentator and actor.