Late Dick Butkus’ favorite play came against Bears ‘TNF’ opponent

 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 pressured quarterback and holder Bobby Douglass to run with the soccer. Following a mad scramble, Douglass related with Butkus, who secured the move with a powerful over-the-shoulder seize within the nook of the tip zone. 

“I did the one factor doable,” Butkus mentioned by way of the Bears‘ official web site. “I did not know the way deep I used to be in the long run zone. I simply rotated and waved, hoping that Bobby would see me.” 

Regardless of his intimidating 6-foot-3, 245-pound body, Butkus had surprisingly good fingers, 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 a press release 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 statement read. “Dick’s instinct, toughness and athleticism made him the mannequin linebacker whose identify will perpetually be linked to the place and the Chicago Bears.” 

Butkus, a Chicago native and Illinois graduate, spent his whole nine-year NFL profession with the Bears. An imposing pressure, 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 best linebackers ever. But, regardless of that, a game-winning seize on a botched PAT was dearest to his coronary heart. 

By some means, that solely provides to Butkus’ badassery.