2017 NFL Draft: All-time top five Chicago Bears first round draft picks

Dick Butkus, 1965, #3 overall

Dick Butkus was one of the greatest linebackers in the history of the NFL. Also, he was one of the most feared hitters in league history. Players who are still alive today still have nightmares concerning Butkus’ hits. When you think of the Monsters of the Midway, the first player who comes to mind is Mr. Dick Butkus. It better be, or he’ll come and knock your block off.

Butkus was a true Chicagoan, born and raised there, and playing his college ball at the University of Illinois. He played in eight Pro Bowls in his nine seasons in Chicago, setting a Bears record with 47 takeaways (22 interceptions and 25 fumble recoveries). He was such a great player that there are awards named after him, given for excellence on and off the field in the high school, college, and professional levels.

In addition to being a true Chicagoan, Butkus was a true Bear. He played like he hated every player in the league who didn’t wear the Bears’ blue and orange. He didn’t want to just knock a guy down, he wanted to break his will to live.

This is how he described his attitude against opposing players:

"If I didn’t feel I was quite up to snuff; If I caught anybody smiling on the field, that would get me going again."

As much as Butkus loved to cause damage on the field, off of it, he does what he can to fix things. He has many charitable endeavors and his Butkus Foundation helps not only former football players but also everyone gets heart scans. He did so after having quintuple heart surgery.

The amazing thing about DIck Butkus is that with all his greatness, he NEVER played in a playoff game. He played in an era where the Bears struggled to win games. Even so, he is extremely proud of beating the Green Bay Packers 14 times in 18 attempts. At least he had that. Beating the Packers is always a great thing.