This lot is closed. Bidding ended on 12/31/2005.
Dick Butkus was possessed with a desire to excel that few have ever equaled. He had only one goal in mind; to be the best. From the very start, he was just that, playing middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears for nine years. In his rookie season, the first-round draft choice from the University of Illinois, had only one challenger for NFL Rookie of the Year honors, teammate Gale Sayers. That season, Butkus was named First Team All-NFL, an honor he would earn five more times. Dick had drive, meanness, a consuming desire to pursue, tackle, and do anything he could do to thwart the enemy on every play. By his own admission, Butkus played every game as though it was his last one. The consumate linebacker, he had the strength, speed and agility to make tackles from sideline to sideline and to cover the best tight ends and running backs on pass plays. His instinct for the game and leadership skills helped make him one of the best defensive football players ever. Butkus played in the Pro Bowl following his rookie season, and in each of the next seven Pro Bowls. His career stats include 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries. Butkus was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility. On the left front tail of the soft nylon cotton blend blue jersey is the "King O'Shea" manufacturers tag with wash instructions and the jersey size "48" on it. On the front, back, and on each sleeve is the player number "51" in white on orange tackle twill. This jersey shows great game use and incredible wear with too many repair marks to count. There appears to be no alterations of any kind. This is one of the finest known examples we have seen.