Bears legend Dick Butkus dies at age 80

Paul Sancya/AP

Bears legend Dick Butkus has died.Bears legend and Pro Football Hall of Famer Dick Butkus has died. He was 80 years old.

A statement distributed by the Bears and attributed to Butkus’ family said he died in his sleep overnight at his home in Malibu, Calif. Butkus’ widow Helenand their family appreciates “your prayers and support,” the team said.

After playing college football at Illinois, Butkus played his entire NFL career with his hometown Bears from 1965 to 1973.

Butkus, whose No. 51 was retired by the Bears in 1994, was named to the league’s All-Decade teams in the ‘60s and ‘70s ... as well as the 75th and 100th Anniversary teams.

He entered the Hall of Fame in 1979 in his…