Dick Butkus, the youngest of eight children born in Chicago, was a fascinating character in American football history. He was the first of his siblings to be delivered in a hospital, weighing a whopping 13 pounds and 6 ounces at delivery. Butkus had poor beginnings growing up on Chicago’s South Side in the Roseland area.
His father, a Lithuanian immigrant, worked as an electrician for the Pullman-Standard railroad car building company, while his mother, Emma, worked 50 hours a week at a laundry.
Butkus began his football career by enrolling at the University of Illinois. He was a center and linebacker for the Illinois Fighting Illini football team from 1962 to 1964. He was recognized as a talented player in his first year on the varsity team, earning a berth on the 1962 All-Big Ten Conference football team.
His professional career led him to the Chicago Bears, where he made an impression. Unfortunately, Butkus claims that the Bears refused to provide him with the proper medical attention, resulting in irreversible knee damage.
What religion is Dick Butkus?
Dick Butkus was a devout Christian, and his faith was important to his life and ideals.
