The linebacker trophy that evolved to fight steroid abuse

History · Published 5 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Named after the legendary Dick Butkus, this prestigious football honor was once limited to college stars. However, a major restructuring in 2008 transformed the award into a multi-level mission to promote health and wellness across high school, collegiate, and professional ranks.

Established in 1985 by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, the Butkus Award was originally designed to recognize only the premier collegiate linebacker. The award honors the legacy of Dick Butkus, a linebacker who holds positions in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. For over two decades, the award functioned as a singular collegiate distinction before undergoing a significant structural shift. The trophy serves as a tribute to the Hall of Fame defender's storied career. It remains a significant distinction for top-tier defensive players.

In 2008, following a lawsuit by Dick Butkus, the award's management changed when the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando relinquished control. This period marked a strategic makeover by the Butkus family to expand the award's scope. By including high school and professional winners, the Butkus Foundation—a non-profit organization—aimed to use the award's prestige to combat anabolic steroid abuse through initiatives like the "I Play Clean" program. This non-profit entity supports various wellness activities. Such efforts aim to foster healthier environments for young athletes.

The expanded format has created a rare pathway for elite defensive talent. Only three players have successfully captured both the high school and collegiate versions of the award: Notre Dame's Manti Te'o (2008, 2012), Jaylon Smith (2012, 2015), and Georgia's Nakobe Dean (2018, 2021). Meanwhile, the professional tier has seen exceptional dominance from players like Luke Kuechly, who secured the collegiate award four times between 2011 and 2017, and Jack Campbell, who achieved collegiate and professional honors in 2022 and 2025. Other notable winners include Patrick Willis and Von Miller. Roquan Smith also achieved success at both levels.

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