NFL legend Dick Butkus has died at the age of 80, his family confirmed on Thursday.
Emergency crews reportedly rushed to the former linebacker's home in Malibu around 12.51pm, where he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Butkus was found unresponsive by a friend who went to check on him, reported TMZ.
In a statement released on Thursday night, Butkus' family confirmed the Chicago Bears icon had died "peacefully" overnight, going on to thank his fans and loved ones for their support.
"The Butkus family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, California," they wrote via the Bears account on X, formerly known as Twitter.
R&B star Anita Pointer of The Pointer Sisters dies aged 74
"The Butkus family is gathering with Dick's wife, Helen.
"They appreciate your prayers and support.
"Additional information will be provided when it's available."
Butkus gave a touching nod to the Bears in a tragic last photo.
He was the host of the Butkus Beyond the Line podcast, which brought listeners to hear his thoughts on everything football.
“Our next guest on the podcast is... me!” Butkus wrote in an Instagram post on September 18.
“This week I'll join the guys to talk about the biggest storylines of the year, the Bears season so far (and how they can turn it around), and even some Illinois football. Tune in tomorrow for a great episode!”
The post showed Butkus on the field wearing a Bears shirt and matching hat.
Tributes poured in on the death of Butkus from NFL legends.
Retired Bears star linebacker Lance Briggs wrote: "One time for@thedickbutkus! RIP to the original monster of the midway!"
Celtic icon Frank McGarvey dies aged 66 as tributes paid to hero after cancer fight
Jarrett Payton, son of NFL icon Walter Payton, took to X and wrote: "Dick Butkus wasn’t just one of the greatest football players to ever play the game, he was a remarkable man.
"He was always there for me when I needed him.
"Here's to you,
"Your spirit will live on forever."
NBA legend Magic Johnson also wrote: "NFL Hall of Famer and one of the hardest-hitting linebackers I’ve ever seen in my lifetime, Dick Butkus, passed away today.
"May he rest in peace!
"Cookie and I are praying for his family and loved ones!"
Often touted as one of the greatest linebackers of all time, Butkus was one of the most intimidating players to ever step on a football field.
Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 245 pounds, he was a standout at the University of Illinois before joining the Chicago Bears in 1965 as the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
His entire NFL career was with the Bears from 1965 to 1973.
In that time, Butkus won every individual award there was - six All-NFL selections, two Defensive Player of the Year honors, and eight Pro Bowls.
He earned several nicknames throughout his career such as The Maestro of Mayhem, The Enforcer, The Animal, and The Robot of Destruction.
Butkus was also named to the league’s All-Decade teams in the 1960s, 70s, as well as the 75th and 100th Anniversary teams.
His career was shortened due to injuries he received in the sport.
Butkus had 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions, and 27 fumble recoveries over the span of nine seasons.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 - his first year of eligibility.
The Butkus Award was created in 1985, honoring the top linebackers at the high school, college, and professional levels.
His No. 51 jersey was retired by the Bears in 1994.
Born Richard Marvin Butkus on December 9, 1942, Butkus was the youngest of eight children, weighing a staggering 13 pounds and six ounces at birth.
He grew up on the South Side in Chicago and was an avid fan of the then-Chicago Cardinals.
His older brother, Ron, also played college football and tried out for the Cardinals but had to quit due to a bad knee.
Butkus married his high school sweetheart, Helen, in 1963 while they attended college.
The couple had three children: Ricky, Matt, and Nikki.
Matt played college football for the USC Trojans as a defensive lineman.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to the Butkus family for comment.
