You never know who’s going to be roaming around at Halas Hall with a surprise:
Khalil Mack was honored at Halas Hall by Bears legend Dick Butkus, who was there to present him the Butkus Award. Whoa! What an accomplishment!
Much like its collegiate counterpart that has been handed out since 1985, the professional Butkus Award is given to the NFL’s best linebacker. To be sure, there is no surprise to how Mack earned the award. He racked up 12.5 sacks, 10 tackles-for-loss, 18 quarterback hits, six forced fumbles, and a pick-six in his first season as a member of the Bears. Mack racked up first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, sparking Chicago’s top-ranked defense and helping lead the team to an NFC North title and playoff berth. I’d say Mack was well worthy of that honor.
As for the award itself, it has been handed out to NFL linebackers since 2008 and its value goes beyond the field. The professional Butkus Award is also used to promote the Butkus Takes Heart cardiovascular-wellness program and various other health and wellness initiatives. That’s pretty neat! As someone whose family history has its share of heart-related health concerns, I can appreciate this on another level.
Congratulations to Mack on adding another prestigious award to his trophy case. Keep ’em coming, #52.