Illinois Football: The 30 greatest Illini players of all time

One of the legends of the game of football is Dick Butkus. He set the tone of his playing career with the Illini. He was one of the most talented players to ever suit up in Champaign.

Butkus is one of two retired numbers for the Illinois football team. His No. 50 is alongside Red Grange’s No. 77 at Memorial Stadium. His journey with the Illini was something special. After his first season of playing in 1962 where he had 97 tackles in just seven games, Butkus turned his game into that of legend.

The second season Butkus was able to play for the Orange and Blue, he finished the year with 145 tackles in 10 games. The following year, Butkus picked up where he left off recording 132 tackles in just nine contests. The Illini also made the Rose Bowl that season and beat Washington, 17-7.

Butkus’ great performances earned him honors throughout the years he was with Illinois, too. During the 1963 and 1964 campaigns, he was named First-Team All-American at linebacker and center for the Illini. That fact alone is a great feat.

There are multiple lists Butkus is on as well. He led Illinois in interceptions for the 1962 season. He is No. 9 on the career tackles list with 374 tackles. He is No. 6 in single-game tackles with 23 tackles. This guy is a legend through and through and someone who deserves to be No. 2 on this list.