Dick Butkus
Bears Terror (1962-69) · 1962–1969
Butkus's elite Toughness (99) and elite Peak Dominance (98) define this era.
Scouting Report
Position ratings · 0-99 scale · Based on career data
Trophy Case
1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972
8 consecutive selections — every healthy season of his career
1965, 1966, 1967, 1968, 1969, 1970
6 consecutive selections — the most feared middle linebacker ever
In Their Own Words
“I wouldn't ever set out to hurt anybody deliberately unless it was, you know, important — like a league game or something.”
— Dick Butkus, on his approach to football
Butkus was the most feared middle linebacker in NFL history. Opposing players said playing against him felt like playing against a car accident. He played through injuries that would end modern careers.
Signature Moments
The Coca-Cola Commercial — "Hey Kid, Catch!"
Mean Joe Greene limped down a stadium tunnel. A kid offered him a Coke. Greene drank it, then tossed the kid his jersey: "Hey kid, catch!" It was the most famous commercial in NFL history — and one of the most iconic TV ads ever made. It humanized the scariest defensive player alive.
The Coca-Cola ad made Mean Joe Greene a household name beyond football. The scariest player in the NFL became America's gentle giant in 60 seconds.
Four Super Bowl Rings — The Steel Curtain Anchor
Greene won four Super Bowls as the anchor of the Steel Curtain defense — the most feared defensive line in NFL history. He was 6'4", 275 pounds, and played with a rage that terrorized offensive linemen. The Steelers dynasty was built on his back.
Four rings. The Steel Curtain started with Mean Joe Greene. He was the foundation of the greatest defense of the 1970s.
Career Numbers
Career Tackles
Unofficial — pre-stat era
1020
Solo Tackles
Unofficial
689
Forced Fumbles
Unofficial
18
Fumble Recoveries
27
Career INTs
22
Passes Defended
Unofficial
18
Pro Bowl Selections
8 in 9 seasons
8
Games Played
9 seasons — career cut short by knee
119
Season Stats · Bears Terror (1962-69)
Engine Attributes
Fan Debate
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