Former Bears linebacker and NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus passes away at age 80

Dick Butkus, a Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker from Chicago, died Thursday, the team announced. He was 80.

His family confirmed According to the Bears, Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight in Malibu, California.

Butkus, from Chicago, played nine seasons for the Bears from 1965 to 1973.

Butkus recovered 25 fumbles and intercepted 22 with the Bears.

Butkus captained the University of Illinois football team that won the 1964 Rose Bowl at the end of the 1963 season.

Butkus was NFL defensive player of the year twice and first-team All-NFL six times. Pro Football Hall of Fame induction occurred in 1979.

The Hall of Fame says Butkus retired in 1973 after his right knee injury didn't respond to 1970 surgery.

The NFL offered condolences and called Butkus a Hall of Famer. “Our thoughts are with his family and the Bears organization,” the league said.

Butkus leaves behind his three children and wife, Helen.