[ad_1]
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 further level try compelled quarterback and holder Bobby Douglass to run with the soccer. Following a mad scramble, Douglass linked with Butkus, who secured the move with a formidable over-the-shoulder seize within the nook of the tip zone.
“I did the one factor attainable,” Butkus mentioned through the Bears’ official web site. “I did not know the way deep I used to be in the long run zone. I simply circled and waved, hoping that Bobby would see me.”
Regardless of his intimidating 6-foot-3, 245-pound body, Butkus had surprisingly good palms, 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 an announcement shortly thereafter.
“Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped the linebacker place as one of many NFL’s all-time greats,” the league’s assertion learn. “Dick’s instinct, toughness and athleticism made him the mannequin linebacker whose title will without end be linked to the place and the Chicago Bears.”
Butkus, a Chicago native and Illinois graduate, spent his total nine-year NFL profession with the Bears. An imposing power, Butkus quickly grew to become the poster boy, the bodily embodiment of intimidation in a rough-and-tumble sport like soccer.
A five-time All-Professional and eight-time Professional Bowler, Butkus was arguably among the finest linebackers ever. But, regardless of that, a game-winning seize on a botched PAT was dearest to his coronary heart.
In some way, that solely provides to Butkus’ badassery.
[ad_2]
Source link
