The Bears confirmed his death at age 80 in Malibu, Cali., though no cause was given.
His 1970 Super Bowl ad for Prestone is considered the first highly successful celebrity endorsement for the big game.
Richard Marvin Butkus was born Dec. 9, 1942 in Chicago, Ill. Butkus played with the Chicago Bears for eight years where he developed a reputation as a hard-hitting tackler.
Dick Butkus, c. 1970s.Focus on Sport/Getty
Dick Butkus in 2023.Cindy Ord/Getty
