There are 50 days until college football returns. Today we remember one of the greatest LBs every to play the game: Illinois’ #50 Dick Butkus.
When you have a professional award named after you, chances are you made a significant impact in your field. Former Illinois LB #50 Dick Butkus made a significant impact and then some. He was a 2x consensus All-American for the Fighting Illini in 1963 and 1964. In ’63, Butkus was named the Big Ten MVP. In ’64, he won UPI Lineman of the Year for his time that he also played Center for Illinois. He finished his career with 374 tackles (stats for sacks, TFL, interceptions, etc. weren’t kept in those days).
His #50 was retired by the Illini. He was also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. In 1985, the Butkus Award was instituted. It is given out annually to the top ranked Linebacker in high school, college, and professional football. Dick Butkus was a legend.
