Hall of Fame linebacker and Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus has died. He was 80 years old.

Butkus is said to have passed "peacefully" overnight. He was sleeping, according to NFL.com.

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Butkus played in the National Football League for nine seasons, and he had 25 fumble recoveries and 22 interceptions, according to profootballhof.com. He played in eight straight Pro Bowls.

"There’s only one thing I’ve ever wanted to do: Play pro football," the website quoted him as saying.

"Everyone seems to be made for something, and I’ve always felt that playing football was the thing I was supposed to do. I love the game.”

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Butkus's first season saw his most fumble recoveries and interceptions.

The Bears are set to play on Thursday Night Football tonight at 8:15 p.m.