The state of Illinois doesn't play when it comes to their football heroes, especiialy when it comes to their Chicago Bears. The Bears franchise has had some of the most dominant defensive personalities on their roster since the team's conception, but their hometown hero in Dick Butkus will most likely be the state's undisputed king of Illinois for decades to come. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Butkus attende the University of Illinois where he led the team to a Rose Bowl victory in 1963 playing both center and linebacker for the institution.
Dick Butkus was selected with the third overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft by his hometown Chicago Bears where he spent his entire nine season career. Throughout his career, Butkus he was a 8x Pro-Bowler, 6x All-Pro First Team selectee, and 2x NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1969, 1970). Butkus was the most-feared linebacker of his era racking up 22 interceptions and recovering 27 fumbles in 119 played games. Long live the Bears legend.