Rose Bowl Hall of Fame
1964 Rose Bowl Game
1995 Inductee
Dick Butkus is arguably the greatest linebacker in football history. He played a dominant role in the University of Illinois’ 17–7 victory over Washington in the 1964 Rose Bowl Game. Butkus, who played both ways for the Illini, made an interception on defense and produced a key block at center on offense to spring Jim Grabowski on the insurance touchdown.
In 1965, Butkus was drafted in the first round by the Chicago Bears, where he dominated professional football for nine years. He earned All-Pro honors for eight of his nine seasons in the league, and was twice named NFC Defensive Player of the Year. He was named Pro Football’s All-Time Greatest Linebacker in a fan vote by The Sporting News. In 1979, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. After his retirement, Butkus pursued a career as a pro football commentator and also was a successful actor.
