CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The prestigious Butkus Award ceremony will be held at Memorial Stadium on the campus of the University of Illinois on February 1, 2025, bringing together football's finest linebackers and celebrating the legacy of one of the greatest to ever play the game, Fighting Illini alumnus Dick Butkus. The iconic awards will be presented in partnership with Big Ten Network, which will provide coverage of the event.
The Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation's best linebacker at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels, was established in honor of Butkus, an Illinois native and two-time All-American linebacker at the University of Illinois. After leaving Illinois, Butkus enjoyed a Hall of Fame career with the Chicago Bears, and he remains one of the most iconic players in NFL history. This year's ceremony will be an extraordinary occasion, held at the very stadium where Butkus played his college career and began leaving his mark on the game of football.
"We are incredibly excited to bring the 2025 Butkus Award ceremony back to where it all began – Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois," said Matt Butkus, son of the late Dick Butkus, who passed away in 2023. "This event is more than just an award ceremony; it's a celebration of the game, of my father's legacy, and of the players who continue to honor the spirit of hard work and dedication that my dad embodied. We are looking forward to a memorable night with the athletes, coaches, and fans who make this sport so special."
Josh Whitman, Director of Athletics at the University of Illinois, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the event for the university and the community.
"It is an honor for the University of Illinois to host the Butkus Award Show in Memorial Stadium, where Dick Butkus not only played but set an enduring standard for the linebacker position by becoming one of the most feared and respected players in football history," said Whitman. "The Butkus name is synonymous with toughness, teamwork, and excellence, and we are proud to celebrate Dick's enduring legacy right here, where it all started. I was honored to call Dick a friend, and we are so proud to host this special event, with players from all levels of the great game of football, here on our campus. We look forward to welcoming the Butkus family, fans, and the football community to this historic venue."
The 2025 Butkus Award Show will feature the presentation of awards in several categories, including the high school, college, and professional linebacker awards. The event promises to be a star-studded evening, honoring the best in the game while paying tribute to Dick Butkus' unparalleled contributions to the sport.
Ticket information and event details are available on the Foundation's website, www.butkusfoundation.org. Fans are encouraged to stay updated through the official Butkus Award website and social media channels.
For additional information, please contact:
Matt Butkus
mattbutkus@dickbutkus.com
(818) 277-5990
About The Dick Butkus Foundation
The Dick Butkus Foundation, dedicated to the spirit and legacy of Dick Butkus, focuses on anti-steroid education, cardiovascular wellness, and other critical health issues facing both young and old people alike. The foundation is a crucial part of a community that is determined to inspire positive change, encourage healthier lifestyles, and empower all generations to reach their fullest potential. The initiative, Butkus Take Heart, focuses on raising awareness about heart disease and promoting cardiovascular wellness. The Butkus Foundation and the NFL Alumni Association (NFLA) have teamed up to promote public awareness about health and obesity through Butkus x NFLA. Finally, the Play Clean campaign is dedicated to raising youth awareness about the dangers of steroid use and other performance-enhancing drugs.
The relationship between the Butkus Foundation and the Butkus Award embodies a blend of honoring athletic excellence and promoting broader social and health-related causes, particularly in the context of youth sports. Through the prestige and visibility of the Butkus Award, the foundation leverages its platform to raise awareness and advocate for healthy and ethical practices in sports.
