Richard J.Butkus "Dick", was born in Chicago, Illinois, December 9, 1942. He graduated from the University of Illinois where he was a two time All- American line backer. A first round draft pick of the Chicago Bears, Dick played for them from 1965-1973, and was named All-Pro linebacker seven times. Mr. Butkus was elected into the NFL "Football Hall of Fame" at Canton, Ohio. Many football garu's consider Dick Butkus the finest line backer in the history of football.

Has two sons and a daughterWas a first-round draft pick of the Chicago Bears, with whom he spent nine years as a linebacker (1965-1973) and appeared in eight straight Pro Bowls (1965-1972).Considered to be the meanest linebacker ever to play football.Elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.Uniform number 51 retired by the Bears.Is of Lithuanian descent.Was frequently paired up with Bubba Smith in Miller Lite commercials. Also worked with Smith in the "Blue Thunder" (1984) TV series.Since 1985 the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, Florida has presented the annual Dick Butkus Award to the top linebacker in college football.Mentioned in the Sublime song "Same in the End".Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983.Center/linebacker for the University of Illinois football team, 1962-1964.Father of Richard M. Butkus Jr. .