The NFL world reacted with sadness to the news that Bears legend Dick Butkus died at 80 years old on Thursday.
Many across the sport paid tribute to the Pro Football Hall of Famer.
“Dick Butkus wasn’t just one of the greatest football players to ever play the game, he was a remarkable man,” wrote Jarrett Payton, the son of NFL legend Walter Payton, on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“He was always there for me when I needed him. Now, these 3 #Bears legends are in heaven, sharing a drink, getting ready to watch the #TNF game from the best seats. Here’s to you, @thedickbutkus. Your spirit will live on forever.”
Another great Bears linebacker, Brian Urlacher, shared similar sentiments on Instagram.
“Very saddened to hear the news of the passing of the Legend Dick Butkus,” Urlacher wrote in a post that contained a portrait of him with Butkus. “I have so much respect for this man and the way he treated me. The Bears family lost a Legend today. RIP Butkus!”
“Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear,” the Bears’ X account added. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”
Even one of the Bears’ biggest rivals, the Packers, reminisced about Butkus and the impact he had on their rivalry.
“A legend of the game & part of what makes the NFL’s oldest rivalry so special,” the Green Bay Packers said on X. “Sending our condolences to the family & friends of Dick Butkus & the entire @ChicagoBears organization.”
The tributes extended beyond the football ranks, with wrestling legend Mick Foley paying his respects to Butkus.
“My favorite all-time player. I grew up with a poster of Butkus on my wall, and he signed it for me on the one occasion we met. A true legend. #RIPDickButkus,” Foley wrote on X.
Magic Johnson, now part owner of the Commanders, also remembered Butkus’ contributions to the game.
“NFL Hall of Famer and one of the hardest hitting linebackers I’ve ever seen in my lifetime, Dick Butkus, passed away today,” Johnson posted on X. “May he rest in peace! Cookie and I are praying for his family and loved ones!
Before the Bears’ Thursday night game at FedEx Field, the Commanders held a moment of silence in his memory.
Butkus was an eight-time Pro Bowler and a five-time All-Pro during his time in the NFL.
He is widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in league history, and his 27 fumble recoveries stand as a Bears record.
