The NFL community was shocked and saddened Thursday by the death of Hall of Fame linebacker and Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus at the age of 80.<\/p>\n
Below is a roundup of tributes to the NFL great from players and figures around the league, and beyond:<\/p>\n
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Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com\/8UEVuuZLwi<\/p>\n
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The NFL is mourning the loss of legendary Hall of Famer Dick Butkus. Our thoughts are with his family and the Bears organization. pic.twitter.com\/arzssONXMB<\/p>\n
"I want to let 'em know that they've been hit…to say, 'must have been Butkus that got me.'"<\/p>\n
Rest in peace to a great man, and one of the most ferocious players ever to put on a helmet. pic.twitter.com\/YeahO0FfL0<\/p>\n
Thinking of the Butkus family tonight \ud83e\udde1 https:\/\/t.co\/8G9xFZxxbs<\/p>\n
For 51 \ud83d\udc3b\u2b07\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/dbJAesmMAa<\/p>\n
Dick Butkus wasn\u2019t just one of the greatest football players to ever play the game, he was a remarkable man. He was always there for me when I needed him. Now, these 3 #Bears legends are in heaven, sharing a drink, getting ready to watch the #TNF game from the best seats. Here's\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/dzKa8n5p7x<\/p>\n
Praying for the entire Butkus family tonight. One of the NFL\u2019s trailblazers who gave his entire heart to the team and community.<\/p>\n
NFL Hall of Famer and one of the hardest hitting linebackers I\u2019ve ever seen in my lifetime, Dick Butkus, passed away today. May he rest in peace! Cookie and I are praying for his family and loved ones!<\/p>\n
R.I.P. to @ChicagoBears legend and @ProFootballHOF, Dick Butkus \ud83e\udde1 pic.twitter.com\/tTezybYRR5<\/p>\n
Rest in peace, Dick Butkus. LEGEND. One of the few whose name was a synonym for \u201cNFL.\u201d\ud83d\ude4f<\/p>\n
Legends are forever. RIP Dick Butkus. https:\/\/t.co\/j3qCSlHkOS<\/p>\n
Illinois Football sends its condolence and thoughts to the Butkus family after the passing of Fighting Illini legend Dick Butkus.#Illini \/\/ #HTTO \/\/ #famILLy pic.twitter.com\/b7Mwhh2NSd<\/p>\n
Sending our condolences to the family, friends and fans of legendary Hall of Famer, Dick Butkus.<\/p>\n
He will be greatly missed. pic.twitter.com\/TVSAWTPxu0<\/p>\n
A legend of the game & part of what makes the NFL's oldest rivalry so special. <\/p>\n
Sending our condolences to the family & friends of Dick Butkus & the entire @ChicagoBears organization \ud83d\ude4f pic.twitter.com\/dU7h8TtsWi<\/p>\n
Our thoughts are with Dick Butkus\u2019 family and everyone who has been impacted by his life and legacy. pic.twitter.com\/yixCexxlQx<\/p>\n
We are saddened to hear of the loss of Dick Butkus, a true NFL legend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Butkus family and the Bears organization.<\/p>\n
Rest in Peace to a Chicago Legend \ud83d\udc99\ud83e\udde1 pic.twitter.com\/uN74A7gDqU<\/p>\n