Last month, every NFL fan in the country was saddened to hear of the death of NFL legend, former Chicago Bears linebacker, Dick Butkus.
According to his family, he died in his sleep, but no cause of death had been released.
Butkus was 80 years old.
The Legend
With football players, you just never know, and they conduct significant tests on these players after they die to see if there is any link to their playing days.
According to the report on Butkus, he died from a "cerebrovascular accident," or a stroke.
There were also numerous secondary conditions listed on the death certificate.
It cited irregular heartbeat and high cholesterol as well as noting that he had a bypass surgery in 2001.
He may have been damaged goods as he got older, but few will argue this was one of the greatest to ever walk on the gridiron when he was playing.
Butkus played for nine seasons, every one of them with Da Bears, earning his way onto the Pro Bowl team in eight of those seasons.
Butkus was also named Defensive Player of the Year in 1969 and 1970.
After he died, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stated, "Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats.
"Dick’s intuition, toughness, and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears."
Bears chairman George McCaskey added, "He was Chicago’s son.
"He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidentally, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership. He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his teammates."
Rest in peace, Dick… you were a true animal on the field in a day and age where just about anything went.
