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Butkus part of inaugural Hall of Fame class

Dick Butkus is one of the greatest Illinois athletes of all-time.

Now, the former Illini linebacker is part of the first-ever Illinois athletics Hall of Fame class.

The university announced on Thursday morning it is creating a Hall of Fame to recognize past athletes, coaches and administrators in Illinois history.

Butkus is part of the inaugural class, which will be fully announced in Februrary 2017 and recognized the weekend of Sept. 29-30, 2017 when the Illini football team hosts Nebraska in the Big Ten opener.

“The University of Illinois has played an extremely important role in my life,” Butkus said in a release.