Bears debut commemorative jersey patch in tribute to their legendary linebacker.
The Chicago Bears have introduced a commemorative jersey patch to celebrate the legacy of the iconic linebacker, Dick Butkus. Starting from this weekend, the team's jerseys will prominently feature a special emblem, showcasing Butkus' No. 51 encased within a football, as a tribute to his passing on October 5th at age 80.
George McCaskey, the Bears' chairman, expressed to the team's senior writer, Larry Mayer, that he hopes the players reflect on Butkus' remarkable contributions and ethos whenever they don the jersey. «Every time our players wear the jersey, we want them to reminisce about Dick's passion and commitment to the sport,» McCaskey shared.
Drafted in 1965's first round, Butkus graced the NFL with eight stellar seasons, all with the Bears. His career was marked by consistent Pro Bowl appearances, five First-Team All-Pro distinctions, positions on both the 1960 and 1970 All-Decade Teams, and an illustrious induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 at his first shot.
While the No. 51 has remained untouched since its retirement in 1994, now every Bear will proudly sport the number in memory of Butkus, especially this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings. The fans lauded this gesture by the team, deeming the patch a fitting homage to Butkus' on-field brilliance and off-field character.
| POLL | ||
15 OCTOBRE | 43 ANSWERS Bears debut commemorative jersey patch in tribute to their legendary linebacker. Who is the greatest Bears ever? | ||
| Ditka | 2 | 4.7 % |
| Butkus | 6 | 14 % |
| Payton | 33 | 76.7 % |
| Other | 2 | 4.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
