The University of Illinois will host the 2025 Butkus Award ceremony at Memorial Stadium on February 1, 2025. The event will celebrate outstanding linebackers in football and honor the legacy of Dick Butkus, a notable alumnus of the university. The awards are presented annually to top linebackers at high school, collegiate, and professional levels.
The Butkus Award was established to honor Dick Butkus, an Illinois native and two-time All-American linebacker from the University of Illinois. After his college career, Butkus played for the Chicago Bears and became one of the most recognized players in NFL history. This year's ceremony holds special significance as it takes place at Memorial Stadium, where Butkus began his football journey.
Matt Butkus, son of Dick Butkus who passed away in 2023, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the event at its original location. "We are incredibly excited to bring the 2025 Butkus Award ceremony back to where it all began – Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois," he said. He described the event as a celebration not only of his father's legacy but also of hard work and dedication in football.
Josh Whitman, Director of Athletics at the University of Illinois, highlighted the importance of hosting this event for both the university and its community. "It is an honor for the University of Illinois to host the Butkus Award Show in Memorial Stadium," said Whitman. He emphasized that Dick Butkus set a high standard for linebackers during his time there.
The ceremony will present awards across several categories including high school, college, and professional levels. It promises to be an evening celebrating excellence in football while paying tribute to Dick Butkus' contributions to sports.
For more information about tickets and event details, fans can visit www.butkusfoundation.org or follow updates on official social media channels.
Contact:
Matt Butkus
mattbutkus@dickbutkus.com
(818) 277-5990
The Dick Butkus Foundation is dedicated to promoting anti-steroid education and cardiovascular wellness among other health issues. Through initiatives like "Butkus Take Heart" and collaborations with organizations such as NFL Alumni Association (NFLA), it aims to inspire positive change in communities by advocating healthy lifestyles.
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