Former Linebacker Dick Butkus Died At the Age of 80 — His Primary Cause of Death Revealed
CBS said Dick's death certificate listed his cause of death as "cerebrovascular accident," though secondary causes were noted.
Updated Feb. 16 2024, 11:32 a.m. ET
The Gist:
- Former Chicago Bears NFL legend Dick Butkus died on Oct. 5, 2023, at age 80 after paramedics responded to a "medical emergency" at his house.
- Dick's death was reportedly caused by "cerebrovascular accident," also known as a stroke, according to his death certificate obtained by CBS.
- Dick was a legendary linebacker for the Chicago Bears.
On Oct. 5, 2023, news broke that Dick Butkus, the legendary former linebacker for the Chicago Bears, had died at the age of 80. A statement from the Chicago Bears confirmed the news, writing that Dick had died "peacefully in his sleep" at his home in Malibu, Calif.
Dick was twice recognized by his peers as the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year, and was widely regarded as one of the fiercest and most intimidating linebackers in the history of the league. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, and will live on as a Chicago legend indefinitely.
What was Dick Butkus's cause of death?
Dick died of "cerebrovascular accident," or what the National Library of Medicine refers to as a stroke, according to his death certificate, per CBS Sports. The news outlet also said that his death certificate listed secondary causes, which included "atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis (thick/hardened arteries)."
It also revealed that the former NFL player "underwent coronary bypass surgery back in 2001."
Prior to the news of his death, TMZ had reported that paramedics had been called to Dick's house to respond to a "medical emergency" on October 5, though the exact nature of that emergency was unclear at the time. Given the statement from the Bears, it seems like Dick died in his sleep and passed quickly, although his death was likely unexpected.
Here' show sports legends around the world reacted to Dick Butkus's death.
Following the news of Dick's death, legends from across the world of sports paid tribute to him and the legacy he left on the field. Everyone from Magic Johnson to current NFL athletes discussed what an inspiration Dick had been to them. Although he was 80, Dick was hosting a podcast about sports and life, and his most recent post didn't suggest that he was at all concerned about his health.
“Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the great players in NFL history. He was Chicago’s son," current Bears chairman George H. McCaskey said in a statement on Twitter. “He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidently, 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.”
