Roger Goodell, Athletes and More React to Dick Butkus’ Death: 'One of the NFL's All-Time Greats'

The Chicago Bears Hall of Famer 'died peacefully in his sleep' at the age of 80

The NFL world is in mourning Thursday after the death of Dick Butkus.

The Chicago Bears Hall of Famer died on Thursday at his home in Malibu, a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Office spokesperson confirmed to PEOPLE. He was 80.

"The Butkus Family confirms that football and entertainment legend Dick Butkus died peacefully in his sleep overnight at home in Malibu, Calif," Butkus' family said in a statement released by the Bears. "The Butkus family is gathering with Dick's wife Helen. They appreciate your prayers and support."

"Dick Butkus was a fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL's all-time greats," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. "Dick’s intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears.”

Goodell remembered the late linebacker as “a long-time advocate for former players, and players at all levels of the game.”

“The Dick Butkus Award and his foundation honored achievement on the field and service to the community among high school, college and NFL linebackers,” he added before sending his condolences to Butkus’ family and those impacted by his life.

"Dick Butkus was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear," the Bears shared in their statement. "Our hearts go out to his family and friends.was a legend who embodied what it means to be a Chicago Bear. Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

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“The NFL is mourning the loss of legendary Hall of Famer Dick Butkus. Our thoughts are with his family and the Bears organization,” the NFL's statement read. The league added a photo of Butkus from his playing days.

Athletes, including those beyond the football world, paid their respects to the decorated star.

Related: Ray Guy, Considered One of the Best Punters in NFL History, Dead at 72: 'A Legend'

"This is Mick. I just learned of the passing of @ChicagoBears LB Dick Butkus. My favorite all-time player," WWE wrestler Mick Foley wrote. "I grew up with a poster of Butkus on my wall, and he signed it for me on the one occasion we met. A true legend. #RIPDickButkus.”

Former Chicago Cubs pitcher and coach Fergie Jenkins shared a photo of himself with Butkus on a baseball field, adding, “One of the greatest linebackers of all time and one heck of [a] guy. Chicago lost a legend. #dickbutkus.”

"Dick Butkus wasn’t just one of the greatest football players to ever play the game, he was a remarkable man. He was always there for me when I needed him. Now, these 3 #Bears legends are in heaven, sharing a drink, getting ready to watch the #TNF game from the best seats. Here's to you, @thedickbutkus," Jarrett Payton, the son of another late Chicago legend, Walter Payton, wrote on X. "Your spirit will live on forever. #RIPButkus."

"Rest in peace, Dick Butkus. LEGEND. One of the few whose name was a synonym for 'NFL,'" Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay wrote.

After hanging up his cleats, Butkus appeared in Miller Lite commercials and turned to acting. He scored off the field by landing a recurring role on the 1980s NBC sitcom, My Two Dads. On the series, viewers came to know him as a cafe owner named Ed Klawicki.

"I'm so sorry to hear that Dick has passed away," Staci Keanan, who also starred in My Two Dads, said in a statement to PEOPLE. "He was such a gentle, sweet, quiet man. He didn't say much, but when he did, he was surprisingly funny. He wore Birkenstocks back when we worked together - they weren't trendy then - it seemed to be because he had pain from his football days, and when he walked, he seemed to be in chronic pain. But he never complained about it.

"My Two Dads did an episode once that included a highlight reel from what was supposed to be Dick's character's football career," Keanan continued. "(Dick played a diner owner, Klawicki, who was formerly a football player). The reel consisted of footage from Dick's own real-life NFL career. When I saw it, I couldn't believe all those massive tackles and sacks came from the gentle giant that I knew."

Butkus also starred in the 1986 teen comedy Hamburger: The Motion Picture which was about a school for aspiring fast-food franchise owners.

Butkus is survived by his wife, Helen, and three children, Ricky, Matt, and Nikki.

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