Dick Butkus Image Gallery

Image Gallery of Dick Butkus, Linebacker 1965-1973

Bears legend Dick Butkus in the twilight of his dominant nine-year career, likely captured in the early 1970s. Even as his playing days wound down, the ferocious linebacker maintained his reputation as the NFL's most intimidating defender, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and four First-Team All-Pro honors before retiring after the 1973 season.

Dick Butkus and friends bring down a Packer ball carrier - maybe 1971? If so, that makes Packer #68 Gale Gillingham and the other Bears Bill Line, #67 and Ed O'Bradovich, #87.

A Menacing Dick Butkus surveys the Packers offense in 1969.

The Gridiron Terror himself, Dick Butkus in standard form as the play develops. Also seen is defensive end Tony McGee. McGee was a third round draft pick of the Bears in 1971. He was in the NFL a total of 14 years for the Bears, Patriots and Redskins, mostly as a backup. He also "unofficially" racked up 103 sacks during that time and won a Super Bowl with Washington in 1982.

From a late 1960s Packers-Bears clash. Dick Butkus just kinda stops the whole Green Bay offense on this play.

Bears legend Dick Butkus is ready as he stares down Frank Patrick of the Packers in 1970. In 1970 Butkus was named to his 6th straight Pro Bowl and his 3rd straight All Pro Team. In 9 seasons he had a total of 8 Pro Bowls and 5 1st Team All Pro selections.

Bears Great Dick Butkus puts the hit on an Oilers receiver. We think this is from the 1973 35-14 Chicago victory of 1973, Butkus's last season of a 9-year NFL career. This was the game Butkus scored the one and only touchdown of his career - a fumble recovery in the Oilers endzone.

From his college days - at Illinois, Dick Butkus returns an interception during the 1964 Rose Bowl against Washington. Butkus also had a fumble recovery in the 17-7 Illini victory.

The middle linebacker to which all middle linebackers will forever be compared to - Bears Hall of Famer Dick Butkus.

Bears-49ers action in 1971. Dick Butkus and Garry Lyle lead the Bears defense in stopping 49er runner Larry Schreiber. In 1971 Butkus was credited with 117 solo tackles and 68 assists. Also seen here are Bears Ron Smith (#48), George Seals (#67) & Willie Holman (#85). The other 49er in the photo is All Pro center Forrest Blue (#75).

Dick Butkus is Talking To YOU!

Bears linebacker takes on Packer Boyd Dowler.

Members of the Chicago Bears defense in the mid-1960s. Dick Butkus, Stan Jones and Rosey Taylor. Stan Jones, it should be noted, had been in the league 10+ years by this time and previously been an All Pro as an offensive lineman but now was playing - and playing at a high-level, at Defensive Tackle.

Bears linebackers Dick Butkus and Doug Buffone seem to have the Packers Elijah Pitts in very bad situation.

While Packers quarterback Don Horn manages to get the pass away, on-coming Bear linebacker Dick Butkus looks like he's wants to give him a great big hug anyway.

Gridiron terror Dick Butkus shows perfect form tackling an unfortunate runner.

Hall of Fame Terror Dick Butkus lined up with 2 other veterans from Chicago Bears history - safety Richie Petitbon (#17 and lineman Ed O'Bradovich. Between these 3 are 29 seasons and 379 games as Bears.

On occasion, Dick Butkus could intercept passes as well as crush people. He had 22 picks in his 9-year career with the Bears.

Chicago Bears linebacker Dick Butkus shown here in the 1970 NFL Pro Bowl with the NFL's 50th Anniversary, celebrated during the 1969 season, logo on the helmet. This was Butkus's 5th straight Pro Bowl appearance.

Rookie Dick Butkus leads the Chicago Bears defense in a goal-line stand against Jerry Kramer & Jim Taylor of the Green Bay Packers in 1965. Also seen is #76, Packers tackle Bob Skoronski and that's QB Zeke Bratkowski in the background.

Packers halfback Donny Anderson carries the ball as Bears legend Dick Butkus wraps him up.

Early 1970s NFL - Packers runner John Brockington (#42) powers forward as Bears linebackers Dick Butkus (#51) and Doug Buffone (#55) wrap him up in an effort to bring him down. #18 of the Bears is safety Jerry Moore from Arkansas.