Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus dies at age 80

The Chicago Bears announced Thursday that one of its former players and one of the best linebackers in NFL history, Dick Butkus passed away. 

According to his family's statement, he passed away "peacefully in his sleep overnight" in his home in California. 

He was 80 years old. 

"Dick was the ultimate Bear, and one of the greatest players in NFL history," the team's statement reads. "He was Chicago's son. "He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidentally, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, instincts, passion and leadership."

During his time with the Bears, Butkus was a five-time first-team All-Pro selection and an eight-time Pro Bowl honoree.

According to the NFL, he had 22 career interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries. One of them was run back for a touchdown.

In 1979, he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.