On Nov. 14, 1971, Butkus caught the game-winning rating in a come-from-behind victory over Washington, 16-15. After the Bears scored the game-tying landing late, a excessive snap on the go-ahead additional level try pressured quarterback and holder Bobby Douglass to run with the soccer. Following a mad scramble, Douglass related with Butkus, who secured the cross with a powerful over-the-shoulder seize within the nook of the tip zone.
“I did the only thing possible,” Butkus mentioned through the Bears’ official web site. “I didn’t know how deep I was in the end zone. I just turned around and waved, hoping that Bobby would see me.”
Despite his intimidating 6-foot-3, 245-pound body, Butkus had surprisingly good fingers, ending his profession with 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries. So, his offensive feat that day should not have been a shock.
TMZ was the primary to report Butkus’ passing on Thursday, with the NFL releasing a press release shortly thereafter.
“Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped the linebacker position as one of the NFL’s all-time greats,” the league’s assertion learn. “Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.”
Butkus, a Chicago native and Illinois graduate, spent his whole nine-year NFL profession with the Bears. An imposing drive, Butkus quickly turned the poster boy, the bodily embodiment of intimidation in a rough-and-tumble sport like soccer.
A five-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler, Butkus was arguably among the finest linebackers ever. Yet, regardless of that, a game-winning seize on a botched PAT was dearest to his coronary heart.
Somehow, that solely provides to Butkus’ badassery.
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