Illinois football pays tribute to Dick Butkus before the Nebraska game

The memory of Dick Butkus will forever live on in the spirit of the Illinois football program, as the team is set to say its goodbyes in a tribute tonight at Memorial Stadium.

Friday night was supposed to be just another night game for the Illini. This wasn’t supposed to be a sad and somber night. But tragedy struck on Thursday with the news of Butkus, 80, passing away.

Illinois is going to do many different things to honor Butkus as they take the field against Nebraska. One of the things is spray painting orange around the 50-yard line. This brings out the number 50, as it was the number Butkus wore during his historic Illinois career.

In addition to highlighting the number 50 on the football field, each Illinois player will have a sticker proudly displayed on their helmet. The sticker on the helmet is of Butkus’ helmet when he played at Illinois, with four stars above his number 50 on the helmet.

On campus, the Illinois Alma Mater was seen donning a Butkus jersey today. In the past, Alma Mater has donned many jerseys, but this one hits differently.

The Butkus statue that proudly stands outside the Smith Center has flowers lined around it. Fans and loved ones laid these flowers in memory of the great linebacker.

Illinois football posted one of the best hype videos, which was narrated by Dick Butkus, right before the Nebraska game

The game on Friday night is a big one. Illinois needs a victory to move back to .500 at 3-3. They will be playing for more than just a win, though.

Butkus’ sprint and memory will live on throughout the students, alumni, and fans. He has a special place in everyone’s hearts, and before the game on Friday night, the Illinois football social media account posted a great hype video that was narrated by Butkus himself.

If you watch that video and don’t get misty-eyed, then I am not sure you are a real fan. The eyes were watering, and the goosebumps were spread far throughout the body. This game against Nebraska means something different. Butkus was proud of this program, so let’s make him proud. Let’s win one for Butkus.