Read a story years ago about Bart Starr when he sat the bench for a couple years. He was always quiet and a perfect gentleman. Never complained about anything.
In season three the starter gets hurt and Starr takes the field for the first time. First pass attempt Butkus buried hom for huge loss. Starr gets up with his top lip split up to his nose and blood running off his chin and onto his jersey. Butkus says ‘Welcome to the NFL kid!’ And Starr yells out a loud ‘F you, Butkus!’
Everyone was shocked he would yell that at the meanest, toughest guy in football. After that he had the full respect of the team and the coaches knew they had a leader.
Off the field Butkus seemed like a good dude. Had a decent acting career.
RIP.