NFL legend turns 80 after a busy career as an actor – Deadline
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Dick Butkus, one of the greatest, most respected and most feared players in NFL history, a Hall of Famer who also had a long acting career in television, movies and commercials, was sleeping at his home in Malibu. He died overnight. He was 80 years old.
his family confirmed the news on social media.
After being a two-year All-America at the University of Illinois, he was selected third overall by his hometown Chicago Bears in 1965. He was a formidable force on the field and a pretty gentle giant off the field, but he spent all of his time injured. – shortened his nine-season career with the club and redefined the linebacker position in the process.
Dick Butkus circa 1965
Bettman Archive
Butkus, who played from 1965 to 1973, was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team in both the 1960s and ’70s, and to the All-Time NFL Team in 2000. All he was selected to the NFL he was selected six times, and as a defensive player he was selected twice. He appeared in eight consecutive Pro Bowls, recorded 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions, and 25 fumble recoveries, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 after his retirement.
He was also a color analyst for Bears radio and also appeared on CBS.‘ pre-game show today’s nfl Late 1980s.
“Dick was the ultimate Bear, one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was a son of Chicago,” said Bears chairman George H. McCaskey. statement. “He exuded the essence of our great city and, not coincidentally, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion, leadership. He refused to accept anything less than the best from his teammates and teammates. …His contributions to the game he loved will forever remain.”
Butkus then coached the Chicago Enforcers of the inaugural XFL in 2001.
“The only thing I’ve ever wanted to do is play pro football,” he said at the Hall of Fame induction. “Everyone seems to be made for something, and I’ve always felt that playing football is what I’m meant to do. I love the game.”
Butkus was also active in philanthropy, with the NFL’s Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honoring high school, college and NFL linebackers for their on-field accomplishments and contributions to their communities. He also spearheaded the “I Play Clean” campaign to help raise awareness about the dangers of steroid use among high school athletes.
Born in the Windy City on December 9, 1942, Butkus has had a long career on screen since his playing days. He played himself in a memorable 1971 television movie that won multiple Emmy Awards. brian’s song He then began making guest appearances in television series such as; Mr. and Mrs. Macmillan, Police Story and emergency!
By the mid-1970s, Butkus was appearing with other athletes in several popular and long-running Miller Lite television commercials. Watch her in one of the most famous commercials below. With his large physique and infectious smile, he continued to land roles in popular television shows throughout his 1970s and beyond, including: The Six Million Dollar Man, The Rockford Files, Wonder Woman, Taxi, Vega$, Magnum PI, MacGyver, Simon & Simon, Matlock, Growing Pains, Kate & Ally and love boat
From left: Dana Carvey, Bubba Smith, James Farentino, Dick Butkus in “Blue Thunder”
In 1984, Butkus appeared on the ABC drama opposite fellow Light Beer Advertiser Bubba Smith. blue thunder, He played a police officer assisting the crew of the titular chopper. The series was based on the hit Roy Scheider film and also starred the former actor.SNL Dana Carvey and James Farentino. It only lasted 11 episodes.
Butkus landed his second series regular role on the NBC sitcom in 1987. my two dads, He plays a former football player who runs a restaurant in the same building that stars Paul Reiser and Greg Evigan lived in. The show entered the top 20 in prime time during his rookie year in 1987-1988, and he remained on the series for his first two seasons.
Butkus went on to co-star on the NBC Saturday morning series in the ’90s. hang time, He played the coach of a high school basketball team and appeared in over 50 episodes over the final two seasons, ending in 2000.
He also appeared as himself in an episode of the series in the 2000s. Bernie Mac Show, Schwartz and I didn’t do that.
In 2005 he appeared on the ESPN documentary series. Toward the glory He coaches a losing high school football team in the suburbs of Pittsburgh.
“Johnny Dangerously” by Dick Butkus and Peter Boyle
Butkus also made several big screen appearances, including Disney’s 1976’s The Football Ramp. gas; In the same year, he competed against Bill Cosby, Raquel Welch, and Harvey Keitel. Mother, Jags & Speed; with Michael Keaton Johnny Dangerous (1984); Gremlins 2: New batch (1990); Oliver Stone’s 1999 professional football film Any Given Sunday.
Charming and gregarious, Butkus also appeared on talk shows, game shows, professional wrestling events, celebrity roasts, and countless football-themed documentaries.He was also frequently mentioned saturday night live‘s Popular “Da Bears” sketch from the early 1990s.
Butkus is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of more than 60 years, Helen. and their families.
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