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Dick Butkus

Chronology

1942	Born December 9 in Chicago, Illinois
1962-64	Two-time All-America in three seasons at the University of Illinois.
1964	Helps lead Illinois to 17-7 Rose Bowl victory over the University of Washington.
1965	Chicago Bears of National Football League draft him in first round (third overall); Denver Broncos of American Football League also draft him in second round. Butkus signs with Bears.
1965	Makes 11 unassisted tackles in NFL debut against San Francisco 49ers.
1970	Panel of NFL coaches vote Butkus as player they would start with if they were building a team from scratch.
1973	Retires as player; was named all-NFL in seven of nine seasons and played in eight Pro Bowls
1974	Sues Chicago Bears, alleging mistreatment of his knee injury; eventually settles out of court for $600,000
1997	Undergoes knee reconstruction surgery
2002	San Diego Chargers sign Butkus's nephew, Luke, who also played at the University of Illinois