The Butkus Award, instituted in 1985, is given annually to the top linebackers at the high school, collegiate and professional levels of football. The award, named in honor of Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus, is presented by the Butkus Foundation, a non-profit organization that supports a number of health and wellness activities including the "I Play Clean" anti-steroid program. The award was first established by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, which relinquished control of the award in 2008. In Controversy DeMarcus Ware received this award in 2008 but was not named the AP Defensive Player of the Year. Pittsburgh Steelers LB James Harrison was named 2008 AP Defensive Player of the Year despite having lesser numbers than DeMarcus Ware.
Traditionally, the award was given only to the top collegant linebacker. The Butkus Award was expanded in 2008 to include high school and professional winners[1] as part of a makeover by the Butkus family to help end anabolic steroid abuse among young athletes.
Recipients
Collegiate winners
Professional winners
High school winners
Team & institutional breakdown of recipients
Trophies won by college
Trophies won by high school
Trophies won by professional team
External links
- Official Award Website
- Official Foundation Website
References
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Dick Butkus Award winners (collegiate) |
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Dick Butkus Award winners (high school) |
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Dick Butkus Award winners (professional) |
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