What Was Dick Butkus Net Worth And His Impact On Football

Dick Butkus Net Worth was $10 Million at the time of his death. Know here about his life, football career and net worth.

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28 November 2024 5:31 AM
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What Was Dick Butkus Net Worth And His Impact On Football

Dick Butkus was a football linebacker, sports commentator, and actor who was known for his remarkable impact on sports. Nevertheless, Dick Butkus net worth symbolizes the legacy of the man who redefined football and became a cultural icon.

Dick Butkus Early Life

Richard Marvin Butkus, the youngest of his siblings, was born in Chicago on December 9, 1942. His father, John, was an electrician, and his mother, Emma, was a worker at a laundry.

Education

Dick Butkus attended Chicago Vocational High School, where he participated in multiple sports like football, baseball, and basketball. Later he attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and gave remarkable performances that laid the foundation of his career and eventually Dick Butkus net worth.

Dick Butkus Career Highlights

Football Career

NFL Draft

  • Dick Butkus began his career in 1965 when the Chicago Bears selected him as the 3rd overall pick.

  • The Denver Broncos also selected him in the AFL draft, but he chose the NFL. 

Chicago Bears (1965-1973)

  • After joining the Chicago Bears, Dick played as a middle linebacker for nine seasons. Dick’s tackling power, play-reading, and turnover abilities made him an exceptional linebacker player.

  • In 1973, he retired from the Bears to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Honors

Dick received numerous honors during and after his football career that included:

  • 8× Pro Bowl Selections 1965-1972

  • NFL 1960s and 1970s All-Decade Teams

  • NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team 1994

  • Pro Football Hall of Fame 1979

Acting Career

In 1973, Dick initiated a career in acting after retiring from the Bears. He acted in several films, dramas, and shows, and advertised for multiple companies. Dick was also featured in some of the popular movies like:

  • The Longest Yard (1947)

  • Necessary Roughness (1991)

  • Any Given Sunday (1999)

What was Dick Butkus Net Worth? 

As of 2024, Dick Butkus net worth is estimated to be $10 million, which is mainly sourced from his football career. Besides this, acting and endorsements also added well to his overall wealth. 

Dick Butkus Net Worth

Income sources

NFL Salary

Dick Butkus spent almost 9 years with the Chicago Bears. According to sources, his salary ranged from 50,000 to 1,000,000 from start to end, which helped him build his financial assets. 

Endorsements

Secondly, this NFL legend also increased his income by endorsing for Preston, Miller Lite, Echo Tools, and Qwik-Cook Grill.

Acting

Moreover, Dick appeared in several films and shows, including Cry, Onion, Raking Up, and Hang Time, all of which significantly contributed to his net wealth.

Dick Butkus’ Personal Life

Dick married his high school sweetheart, Helen Essenberg, in 1963. Together, they had three children: two sons, Matt Butkus and Richard M. Butkus Jr., and a daughter, Nikki Butkus.

Dick Butkus’ Death

Dick Butkus died on October 5, 2023, in Malibu, California, U.S., at the age of 80. His death was a significant loss for his family as well as his fans. Doctors attributed his death to atrial fibrillation, atherosclerosis, and hypercholesterolemia. 

Conclusion

Dick Butkus net worth reflects his multi-skills and achievements, especially in his football career. He signified what it means to be a real legend by dominating as an NFL linebacker and gaining popularity in entertainment. Even after his passing in 2023, his legacy inspires fans and players alike.