Bears fans pay homage to all-time great Dick Butkus, who passed away Thursday

Bears legend Dick Butkus passed away on Thursday. May he rest in peace.

Kristen Wong

Green Bay Packers v Chicago Bears / Quinn Harris/GettyImages

Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus passed away on Thursday at the age of 80.

The eight-time Pro Bowler, five-time All-Pro, and two-time Defensive Player of the Year made a lasting impression in his nine-year NFL career and will go down in history as one of the greatest linebackers in history.

Butkus' colleagues have described the Bears player as one of the meanest, toughest, and most ferocious tackles that ever lived, laying waste to anyone who dared cross his path.

His resume stands on its own, but it's his character that sets him apart from the rest. In his time in the league, Butkus redefined the linebacker position and has set a high standard for the players that follow him, whether on the Bears or otherwise.

Butkus was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979, and the Bears have since retired his iconic No. 51 jersey.

News of Butkus' passing led to an outpouring of support on Twitter where Bears fans and NFL fans alike gave their condolences. Some spoke about their favorite Butkus moments, others lamented that they never got to see him play. One thing is for certain: Butkus will be remembered.

A season of sorrow: Bears fans grieve Dick Butkus' death

Dick Butkus was such a badass, man. RIP to An absolute #Bears and NFL legend.

Here is not only one of my favorite Butkus pictures, but Bears picture of all time. pic.twitter.com/VvJpXfjJns
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) October 5, 2023

An all-time great with an all-time great name has passed.
Rest in peace, Dick Butkus pic.twitter.com/m8lL2UmYrg
— Tom Segura AKA Mr. Ladybug (@tomsegura) October 5, 2023

Rest in Peace to the most vicious tackler in NFL history (and Bears social media admin). Forever a legend, RIP Dick Butkus pic.twitter.com/A1jUEUgggu
— Ross Pins (@chisportsross) October 5, 2023

Dick Butkus is, was, and always will be #DaBears.

RIP pic.twitter.com/GtepoXIweV
— Bears Talk (@TheBearsTalk) October 5, 2023

You can shit on the Bears, but you can’t shit on Dick Butkus.
— Alex Patt (@chifanpatt2) October 5, 2023

RIP to the legend, the Enforcer, Dick Butkus. #DaBears
— Clay Harbor (@clayharbs82) October 5, 2023

I never got to see Dick Butkus play. But I’ve watched his highlights several times. Great man. Hilarious on Twitter. Truly a legend.

Chicago Bears legend. NFL legend. One of the best ever.

This game tonight means nothing but man would it be cool to get a win in his honor.
— Dave (@dave_bfr) October 5, 2023

The football world lost a legend today. May Butkus rest in peace.

Kristen Wong

Kristen Wong is a lifelong soccer fan who has since made the jump to watching more "American" sports. She graduated with an English and Linguistics degree from Columbia and has spent the last two years writing about the NFL. She was formerly an Associate Editor at a handful of FanSided NFL sites covering the Saints, Bengals, Ravens, and Jets. As for her casual interests: Liverpool. Literature. Bartending. In that order.