The NFL community was shocked and saddened Thursday by the death of Hall of Fame linebacker and Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus at the age of 80.
Below is a roundup of tributes to the NFL great from players and figures around the league, and beyond:
— NFL (@NFL)
Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears)
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears)
The NFL is mourning the loss of legendary Hall of Famer Dick Butkus. Our thoughts are with his family and the Bears organization.
— NFL (@NFL)
"I want to let 'em know that they've been hit...to say, 'must have been Butkus that got me.'"
— NFL Films (@NFLFilms)
Rest in peace to a great man, and one of the most ferocious players ever to put on a helmet.
Thinking of the Butkus family tonight 馃А
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders)
For 51 馃惢猬囷笍
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears)
R.I.P Dick Butkus 馃檹馃挮
— DJ Moore (@idjmoore)
Was looking over us Tonight
Dick Butkus wasn鈥檛 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. Now, these 3 legends are in heaven, sharing a drink, getting ready to watch the game from the best seats. Here's鈥�
— Jarrett Payton (@paytonsun)
Praying for the entire Butkus family tonight. One of the NFL鈥檚 trailblazers who gave his entire heart to the team and community.
— Ryan Shazier (@RyanShazier)
NFL Hall of Famer and one of the hardest hitting linebackers I鈥檝e 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!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson)
R.I.P. to legend and , Dick Butkus 馃А
— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay)
Rest in peace, Dick Butkus. LEGEND. One of the few whose name was a synonym for 鈥淣FL.鈥濔煓�
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay)
Legends are forever. RIP Dick Butkus.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls)
Illinois Football sends its condolence and thoughts to the Butkus family after the passing of Fighting Illini legend Dick Butkus. // //
— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball)
Sending our condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary Hall of Famer, Dick Butkus.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox)
He will be greatly missed.
A legend of the game & part of what makes the NFL's oldest rivalry so special.
— Green Bay Packers (@packers)
Sending our condolences to the family & friends of Dick Butkus & the entire organization 馃檹
Our thoughts are with Dick Butkus鈥� family and everyone who has been impacted by his life and legacy.
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts)
We are saddened to hear of the loss of Dick Butkus, a true NFL legend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Butkus family and the Bears organization.
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers)
Rest in Peace to a Chicago Legend 馃挋馃А
— Chicago Blackhawks (@NHLBlackhawks)
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders)
Rest in Peace Mr Butkus! 馃檹馃徔
— Khalil Mack (@FiftyDeuce)
