NFL Hall of Famer Richard Butkus 'dies peacefully' at home

NFL legend Richard Butkus has passed away at the age of 80, as confirmed by his family through an official statement.

The former linebacker, who spent his entire eight-year career with the Chicago Bears, also made a name for himself as an actor and commentator before peacefully passing away in his sleep at his residence in Malibu, California.

Emergency crews reportedly rushed to the former linebacker's home in Malibu around 12.51pm, where he was pronounced dead at the scene. According to TMZ, Butkus was found unresponsive by a friend who had gone to visit him.

"The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend [Richard] Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California," the family statement read. "The Butkus family is gathering with Richard's wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support. Additional information will be provided when it's available."

A Chicagoan through and through, Butkus was born in Chicago in 1942. He began his football journey at Chicago Vocational High School, later earning a spot at the University of Illinois, ultimately being selected as the third overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft.

Butkus made an immediate impact, following in the footsteps of the Hall of Famer Bill George and culminating his career with three Defensive Player of the Year awards. He was an eight-time First-Team All-Pro and was honored as a member of both the 1960s and 1970s NFL All-Decade Teams.

His entire NFL career was with the Bears from 1965 to 1973 and only retired as his career was cut short due to injuries. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 – his first year of eligibility.

Butkus was an influential player in the Bears – and on the linebacker position overall – he finished his career with 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions, and 27 fumble recoveries over the span of nine seasons. In 1985, the Butkus Award was created in his name to honor the top linebackers at the high school, college, and professional levels.

The news of his passing has deeply saddened the Chicago Bears, who stated, "[Richard] Butkus was the epitome of a true Bear and one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was undeniably Chicago's own. He embodied the qualities our great city holds dear, which, not coincidentally, George Halas sought in a player: toughness, intelligence, instincts, passion, and leadership."

They further added, "Though his demeanor may have seemed gruff to some, [Richard] had a gentle side and demanded nothing less than the best from himself and his teammates."

Outside of football, Butkus also had a prolific career as an actor, appearing in dozens of movies and TV shows, including Gremlins 2, Matlock, MacGuyver, My Two Dads and Blue Thunder (pictured) among the most notable.