When you’re the only person that intimated someone like O.J. Simpson — for obvious reasons — you know you were a bad man (in a good way).
That “bad man” was none other than possibly the greatest football player of all-time, the late Chicago Bears Hall of Famer, Dick Butkus.
Simpson spoke of the intimidation factor in an old NFL Films clip posted to X by NFL historian Kevin Gallagher, as reported by Newsweek.
“Is there a place to hide around here?” Simpson said. “Dick Butkus, Christ. He is the only guy ever — I guess — intimidated me on a football field.”
RIP Dick Butkus, #Bears legend
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) October 5, 2023
One of the most feared players in NFL history pic.twitter.com/sZ0pLiYM0c
As Newsweek also noted, Simpson posted a video tribute to Butkus on his X account, saying that he wouldn’t argue if someone said that Butkus was the greatest football player to ever play the game.
“Dick Butkus — and I’ve said it many times in speeches — no player in history ever played his position better than Dick played his position,” Simpson said.
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He added later in the video, “God bless you, Dick. Great guy, maybe the greatest football player ever. I certainly wouldn’t argue with anybody if they said that.”
God Bless one of the greatest. pic.twitter.com/mxJpHibse8
— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) October 5, 2023
Butkus died on Thursday, just hours ahead of the Thursday Night NFL matchup between his beloved Bears and the Washington Commanders. The Bears won 40-20.
Maybe I’m a little biased as a lifelong Bears fan, but God bless Dick Butkus. He remained loyal to the Bears until his death, even visiting and standing on the sidelines for a game earlier this season.
RIP to a true American legend, Dick Butkus — 1942-2023.
Here's some highlights from Butkus' legendary career:
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Great to see a star athlete share his faith! pic.twitter.com/tKz2X2qNCc
— MRCTV (@mrctv) October 5, 2023