Who is Helen Essenberg? All about Dick Butkus’ wife

For six decades, Helen Essenberg stood by her husband, Dick Butkus, the renowned NFL linebacker, through the highs and lows of his illustrious career and beyond. Their marriage, which began in 1963, is a testament to the enduring power of love and commitment.

Their relationship, which started in high school, blossomed into a lifelong partnership that weathered the challenges of fame and family life. As the wife of a football legend, Helen maintained a private life, dedicating herself to being a devoted mother and spouse.

Key Takeaways

• Helen Essenberg was married to Dick Butkus for 60 years, from 1963 until his passing in 2023.
• The couple met in high school and developed a lifelong bond.
• Helen maintained a private life, staying out of the spotlight despite her husband’s public profile.
• Their enduring marriage is considered one of the most lasting in professional football history.
• Helen played a crucial role in supporting the Butkus family legacy.

The Woman Behind the NFL Legend

While Dick Butkus shone in the spotlight as a Chicago Bears star, Helen Essenberg preferred to stay out of the public eye. This deliberate choice allowed her to focus on their family life, raising their three children amidst the pressures of Dick’s football career and subsequent entertainment ventures.

Helen Essenberg’s Background

Helen Essenberg’s personal history before meeting Dick Butkus remains largely private, a testament to her lifelong preference for maintaining personal boundaries. Despite being married to one of the Chicago Bears’ most iconic players, Helen never sought to leverage her husband’s fame for personal gain. Her background, much like her personality, is characterized by a down-to-earth demeanor that has been a steady influence on Dick throughout his career.

Life Away from the Spotlight

Helen’s decision to stay out of the spotlight was a conscious choice, allowing her to create a sense of normalcy for their family despite Dick’s status in football history and Chicago sports culture. This approach to life as the wife of a sports icon reflects a different era in professional athletics, where families often remained separate from the public aspects of an athlete’s career. By doing so, Helen provided stability and support to Dick, influencing his life and career profoundly.

A High School Romance: How Helen and Dick Met

The foundation of Helen and Dick’s six-decade partnership was laid at Chicago Vocational High School. Their relationship began in the formative years of high school, setting the stage for a lifelong bond.

First Encounters at Chicago Vocational High School

Helen Essenberg and Dick Butkus met at Chicago Vocational High School, where their teenage romance blossomed. This high school connection represented classic Americana – the relationship between a promising football player and his supportive girlfriend. As Dick developed into a linebacker who would account for an astonishing 70% of his team’s tackles, Helen was by his side, showcasing his extraordinary talents on the field.

Their shared Chicago roots and experiences at Chicago Vocational High School created a strong foundation for their relationship, connecting them to the city that would later celebrate Dick’s professional achievements as part of the NFL team.

The Famous Defender Story

One of the most telling stories about Dick Butkus’s protective nature towards Helen occurred while he was in full football gear during practice. When he noticed four guys harassing Helen, he didn’t hesitate. According to a 1993 Sports Illustrated story by Rick Telander, Butkus ran off the field, chased the car onto 87th Street, and thrashed each of the passengers. This story highlights Dick’s fierce devotion to Helen, even as teenagers.

This legendary story demonstrates both his protective nature and the depth of his feelings for her. It also showcases the contrast between Dick’s fierce public persona on the football field and his devotion to Helen, a pattern that continued throughout their lives.

The stories surrounding Dick Butkus’s high school years, including his defense of Helen, have become an integral part of his legacy, illustrating the game-changing impact he had on the field and the lasting impact he had on those around him.

Who is Helen Essenberg? All about Dick Butkus’ wife

Dick Butkus’ marriage to Helen Essenberg in 1963 marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership. Their wedding took place while they were students at the University of Illinois, a significant period in Dick’s life as he was establishing himself as a prominent figure in college football.

Their 1963 Wedding at University of Illinois

The University of Illinois served as the backdrop for their significant life event. In the same year, Dick led the university’s football team to a Rose Bowl victory, highlighting his rising prominence in the sport. Their marriage coincided with Dick’s increasing national recognition as a defensive player, setting the stage for Helen’s role in supporting his career.

Supporting Dick Through His NFL Career

Throughout Dick’s nine-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears, Helen provided stability and support. As Dick earned numerous accolades, including two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and five first-team All-Pro selections, Helen maintained their private family life, ensuring a stable home environment.

Standing By His Side During His Entertainment Career

When injuries forced Dick’s retirement from football, Helen supported his transition to the entertainment industry. Dick made guest appearances on various television shows, and Helen remained by his side, maintaining their family foundation through this career transition.

Helen’s support remained constant as Dick was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 1979, recognizing his status as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. The couple’s relationship demonstrated remarkable adaptability as Dick moved from football legend to entertainment figure.

The Butkus Family Life

The Butkus family life was a testament to the love and dedication of Helen and Dick Butkus. Their marriage bore three children: sons Ricky and Matt, and a daughter, Nikki. The family maintained a relatively private life despite Dick’s status as a Bears legend.

Raising Three Children

Helen and Dick raised their three children together, creating a family life that remained largely private. Their son Matt followed in his father’s footsteps, playing collegiate football for the USC Trojans as a defensive lineman. Although Matt didn’t reach the NFL like his Hall of Fame father, he was a decent college player for a stellar football program at USC.

• Helen’s primary focus was maintaining a stable home environment for their children while Dick navigated the demands of professional sports and later entertainment.
• The family established roots in Malibu, California, where they maintained their home for many years and where Dick ultimately passed away peacefully in his sleep.
• Helen’s dedication to family life allowed their children to develop their own identities despite having a famous father whose intimidating presence dominated professional football.

Helen’s Role as Mother and Wife

Throughout their 60-year marriage, Helen balanced supporting Dick’s public career with protecting their family’s privacy. When Dick died in 2023, the family statement released through the Chicago Bears organization highlighted Helen’s central role, noting that “The Butkus family is gathering with Dick’s wife Helen.” This statement underscored the importance of Helen in maintaining family unity during difficult times.

The Butkus family’s experience is a testament to the strength of Helen and Dick’s relationship, built on mutual support and love. Their family life, though not without its challenges, remained a foundation of stability and comfort for their children as they grew and developed their own paths in life.

Helen Essenberg’s Legacy: 60 Years of Marriage and Beyond

Helen Essenberg’s six-decade-long marriage to Dick Butkus stands as a testament to the enduring power of love and partnership in the face of a legendary NFL career. As the wife of one of football’s greatest linebackers, Helen provided a stable home life, allowing Dick to focus on his game with the Chicago Bears.

Throughout Dick’s nine seasons with the Bears, Helen was his rock, supporting him through the highs and lows of his career. She witnessed his journey from Chicago Vocational High School to the University of Illinois and through his selection by the Chicago Bears in the 1965 NFL Draft. Her presence was a constant as Dick became known as the “gold standard” by which other middle linebackers are measured.

Helen’s legacy is not just about being the spouse of a football legend; it’s about her own strength and dedication. She stood by Dick as he was recognized as one of the greatest players in NFL history, earning spots on the NFL 1960s and 1970s All-Decade Teams and being enshrined in the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

After Dick’s passing in 2023 at the age of 80, Helen’s role as the family’s anchor became even more apparent. The Butkus family gathered around her in their Malibu home, a testament to the strong family foundation she had maintained throughout the years. Helen Essenberg’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of the support system behind every great athlete.

In conclusion, Helen Essenberg’s legacy is a shining example of how a private individual can provide essential support to a public figure, enabling them to achieve greatness on the field. Her sixty-year marriage to Dick Butkus is a remarkable story of love, partnership, and dedication that will continue to inspire fans of the Chicago Bears and the NFL for generations to come.

Kane Dane