Remembering Dick Butkus, a homegrown legend from the City of Chicago

WGN's Mike Lowe tells the story of Chicago legend Dick Butkus on the day of his passing. Earlier this year, Lowe sat down with Butkus in one of his last interviews before his death.

[@musicman76enator]

Dick Butkus is the greatest linebacker in Bears history. He is also one of the greatest players in both Bears and NFL history. Today is a very sad day. Rest in Peace, Dick. We will miss you. 🐻 🏈

[@BearMeat4Dinner]

Miss ya .. say hi to my dad!

[@armandde1]

He was a Chicago and NFL icon, who will always be remembered for his ferocious on field antics, and off the field, regular, neighborhood guy. He was brutally honest about his team after his retirement, and would tell you what they did wrong. He loved the game more then most and it showed playing on all those losing teams but said he probably wouldn't change a thing. And truth be told, he was really a funny guy. He went to the University of Illinois where he was an All American and got to play in a Rosebowl. Unfortunately he never had the same team success with Da Bears. He was the best defensive player I ever saw and my hero. Rest easy big guy, no one will ever forget number 51.

[@ChildOfThe1970s]

Unfortunately, Butkus retired when I was 3 years old, so I never had the privilege of seeing him play on TV. But I've seen the highlights and he's had a high profile presence even after football. I'm a big fan of the old school linebackers. Sad to see one of the greats no longer with us.

[@dennisd4452]

I'm the first to thumbs up! Rest In Peace sir. Thank you for your service to the bears.

[@hoosierdaddy8002]

RIP Mr. Butkus and condolences to his family , friends and fans.

[@DWilliam1]

Bears got the win tonight. Great final tribute to the man who defined the LB position.

[@josephpatrickprescott562]

People today cannot even imagine…..Wrigley Field, cold, rain, mud and blood. Men were REAL men, in all walks of life and in sports. The old Chicago work ethic, doing all you could, no matter the cost…no matter the pain. It was a different world and this video starts off by summing it all up correctly…..if there was a mirror held up to Chicago when I was a kid…the reflection would have the face of Butkus.

[@djquinn11]

Well said. My condolences to the City of Chicago for the loss of their legend from this Detroit Lions fan. You can’t love football and not love the passion and greatness that was Dick Butkus.

[@Chrisuperfly1]

Men were men, women were women, and men that dressed like women were made fun of. The best of times.

[@Jizzleman22925]

This man was a true legend . He will be lost . Even as a Cowboys fan I knew who he was . The man was a beast . One of the best ever to strap on the gear !

[@Chrisuperfly1]

Legend. Rest in Peace.

[@einfachicke1417]

RIP Dick Butkus. You were my hero. The best defense player of all time.

[@jerrystewart6232]

An absolute legend... Rest in peace Monster of the Midway.

[@tonygoodheart2442]

I Remember Dick Butkus doing ads for Sports Illustrated During the Christmas season I liked it when he said Football!!! Grrrr! He was part of the NFL today on CBS. He made his acting Debut playing a Football player on my Favorite TV show Emergency!

[@JamesSmith-mz9ec]

end of an era!

[@johnheffner3950]

Butkus and that whole era now THAT was The NFL!

[@jeremiahrose4681]

not a bears fan, love the history for the NFL, which is Butkus. Plus the Bears won tonight for him...has to be, why, because he passed and they snapped an log losing streak.

[@3243_]

May Dick Butkus rest in peace. And may his family and friends be healed and comforted.

[@maureencora1]

Heaven is for Heroes, R.I.P.

[@rogerzarky4046]

What a great guy RIP 51 🏈 Play like Butkus 💪🏻🏈

[@frankszablewskifromsableir1077]

They’d be doing great to just think about playing like him. 👍👍

[@devoradamaris]

IN🕊PEACE🕊REST🕊 Love.Honor.Respect.

[@frankszablewskifromsableir1077]

Your respectful words are great.

[@kenrosen811]

GOAT. nuff said

[@MarkKrauklis]

I forgot that Rocky Balboa named his dog after the toughest guy who ever played!!! 🥰 Perfect!!!🥰 R.I.P Mr. Butkus. and my condolences to your family 🥰🇺🇲🇺🇲🇺🇲

[@matthewpaluch777]

Rest easy Richard, thank you for showing da world what "Chicago Tough" means!

[@user-uj9cc5ch5p]

RIP , Dick god bless you. X

[@Nathan-pw7do]

RIP legend, gonna miss you 😢

[@flex_007]

Rest in heaven playing football Mr. Butkus ❤🏈

[@brucechasity69]

It’s crazy that Butkus was such a badass he had offenses scared before the game even started lol

[@RetroGamer1985NES]

RIP in peace Dick, the GOAT 🐐 of MLB’s period!

[@user-wb5xy2iv1u]

Best linebacker ever ,prayers for his family

[@trevorhembrough1290]

❤

[@michaelkessler2852]

Dick Buktus,was a hard hitting Monster,

[@lorenzobeckmann3736]

old time Bear fans never thought there'd be a replacement for Bill George. and then WOW! His college carrer was when the rule of 2-way play; only 2 substitutions per play meant that he was center-linebacker. NCAA didn't want "professionalism" - same 11 guys on the field and 70 guys remain on sidelines.

[@1Tomrider]

Dick was a pure predator on the field, displaying instincts you can't coach - maybe God will build a better linebacker someday, but it hasn't happened yet!

[@shawnfromskokie62]

R.IP

[@raulduke6105]

😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@DavidAbbott-zy5lr]

He was what the position was the best without stats...............

[@melindaostergren8115]

Flights of angels, 51. Flights of angels.

[@willisapril]

useless information but Sylvester Stallone named his dog Butkus after Dick Butkus

[@mosesrambam2815]

It was a bull mastiff. Very appropriate.

[@christopherneyfeldt4587]

Ernie Banks will always be Mr Cub but Dick will always be Mr Bear. RIP DICK we will never forget what you meant to us.

[@hifijohn]

Greatest porn name in NFL history.

[@user-ff2kz8cs3u]

Safe & effective….