Dick Butkus dead at 80

[Plainosooner]

A remarkable career for a remarkable player.

The bears drafted Butkus and Sayers in the same draft in I believe they were back to back in 1965. Dick outlived both Gale Sayers and his ad buddy Bubba Smith. He was the quintessential middle linebacker, obviously since the prime linebacker award was named for him. But I don't believe he ever played in a playoff game. Could be wrong about that. He had so many football injuries, it's a bit surprising he lasted so long.

He did surprisingly well as an actor. There are abundant stories about what a bad student he was at Illinois. The Illini won the Rose Bowl over Washington his soph year 17-7. One of the great ones.

 

[CTOkie]

Sayers and Butkus taken third and fourth in that 1965 draft.
Tucker Frederickson RB from Auburn was number one by the Giants.
FB Ken Willard was drafted next by the 49ers.
Others in that first round were Craig Morton, Donny Anderson, Jack Snow, Joe Namath, Mike Curtis.
OU had FB Jim Grisham taken by the Vikings as the 79th pick.

 

[LAY THE WOODY]

Dick put fear in opposing offenses. That man wanted to maime a fella.

 

[Plainosooner]

Dick put fear in opposing offenses. That man wanted to maime a fella.

I think he occasionally actually did.