The Dick Butkus Award, instituted in 1985Year 1985 (MCMLXXXV) was a common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar). The year 1985 was declared International Youth Year by the United Nations.1985, is given annually to the top linebacker in college footballCollege football is American football played by teams of students fielded by American universities, colleges, and military academies. It was the venue through which American football first gained popularity in the United States. College football remains extremely popular today among students, alumni, and other fans of the sport.college football. The award, named in honor of Pro Football Hall of FameThe Pro Football Hall of Fame is the hall of fame of the National Football League (NFL). It opened in Canton, Ohio, United States, on September 7 1963 with 17 charter inductees. Through 2007, all but one of the inductees played some part of their pro career in the NFL. The lone exception is Buffalo Bills guard Billy Shaw, who played his entire career ...Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Dick ButkusDick Butkus (born December 9, 1942 in Chicago, Illinois) is a former American football player and actor. Butkus starred as a football player for the University of Illinois and the Chicago Bears. He was best known for his punishing tackles.Dick Butkus, is presented by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando.