Dick Butkus

Dick Butkus, wore nuber 51 from the time he walked on the field for the Chicargo Bears in 1965. By the time he left the Bears in 1973 he was a legend for his agressive style of play at middle linebacker. Although the the Bears had only two winning season Butkus left his mark on the feild and a lot of bruses on opposing players. After retireing, he has become a well-known celebrity endorser, broadcaster and actor.

Dick Butkus was born in Chicago Illinois, played college for the University of Illinois, and for the Chicago Bears for his entire 9 years as a pro. Butkus was an all-American at the University of Illinois in 1963 and 1964. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983, He went on to be drafted in the third pick overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1965 NFL draft .

With the Bears, Butkus went on to have a hall of fame career ending with a career total of 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions, 27 fumble recoveries and 1 touchdown in 119 games played. A knee injury in 1970 shortened his career and he retired in 1973. He was selected to the 1960's All decade Team and 1970's all Decade Team.

In 1985 the Butkus Award was created to recognize the best linebackers in College Football.

• December 9, 1942: Born

• 1965: Selected by Chicago Bears, NFL Draft Round 1/Pick 3

• 1965-73: Entire career spent in Chicago

• 1973: Forced into retirement with multiple knee injuries

• 1979: Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

• 1983: Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame

• 1985: The Bukus award is created to recognize the top college linebackers

• 1994: Chicago Bears #51 retired

• 2005: Hired to coach a high school football squad for ESPN's Bound For Glory reality show

• 2006: Founder of "Mean and Clean Campaign for Steroid-Free Sports"