Saw an interview with Butkus years ago. He was asked why he hit so hard, he said because he didn’t want the guy he tackled to have to read the number on his jersey to know who tackled him. He wanted him to KNOW he was hit by Butkus.
Opposing teams had some plays they liked to run because they worked well with the personnel they had on their team. However, they could not run those plays because of Butkus. Teams had to change game strategies just because of one man…..Butkus.
Off the field, he had a sense of humor and was an approachable, like able guy. On the field, he was a maniac. I am old enough to have enjoyed watching him play. That was back when football was football. He would be kicked out of every game today.
Anyone who may not know who Butkus is, Google his highlights. You didn’t break his tackles. He was a true legend.