Dick Butkus: The Ultimate Hometown Hero

0:00The latest scores, headlines, and storylines, right here on NFL News today, subscribe and stay game ready. A social media debate lit up over the weekend about handing out retro Super Bowl rings to NFL players who never won one. For Chicago Bears fans, the top pick is Dick Buttcus, the Hall of Fame middle linebacker, whose career screams championship deserving. Buttcus played for the Bears from 1965 to 1973. His teams never reached the playoffs in average just five wins a season. Still, he suited up with fire every game. Born and raised on Chicago South Side, he starred at a local high school then the University of Illinois. Papa Bear Hollis grabbed him third overall in the 1965 draft, making him the ultimate home town hero. Experts call Buttcus the gold standard at his position, a player whose fierce style would thrive in any era. A ring would have crowned his iconic run and maybe even made him mayor. Even on losing squads with nagging knee problems, Buttcus poured everything into football.

1:04It was in his blood like an instinct he could not shake no matter the score. This story is made possible by our sponsor, See the episode description. Headphones in a pillow. Once you try it, it just makes sense, S-O-L-I-SOLYPILLOW.com.