I worked hard at becoming a professional football player, just like society says you should. It said you had to be fierce. I was fierce. Tough. I was tough. – Dick Butkus

I want to be recognized as the best-no doubt about it. When they say all-pro middle linebacker, I want them to mean Butkus! – Dick Butkus

Few people get to earn a living at what they like to do and there are hazards in any profession. Football is something I was made for. I gave the game all I could for as long as I could. I guess my only regret was that my career was too short. – Dick Butkus