Dick Butkus Named Dungy-Thompson Humanitarian Award Winner

ROSEMONT, Ill. – Illinois’ Dick Butkus is this year’s recipient of the Big Ten’s Dungy-Thompson Humanitarian Award, while Indiana’s Richard Coachys is the Ford-Kinnick Leadership Award honoree, the conference announced Wednesday. These awards recognize Big Ten football students who have achieved success in the areas of humanitarianism and leadership following their academic and athletic careers at a Big Ten university.

Butkus played football for the Illini from 1961-64 as a center on offense and linebacker on defense, leading the Fighting Illini to the 1963 Big Ten title and a Rose Bowl victory over Washington. A member of both the College and Pro Football Halls of Fame, Butkus was a two-time consensus All-American, three-time All-Big Ten selection, and was named the 1963 Silver Football Award winner as the Big Ten’s Most Valuable Player. He…