Sport Nutrition Story

Dick Butkus Talks Tough About Steroids, HGH, The NFL's Future

Dick Butkus was a big man on the field during a nine-year Pro Football Hall of Fame career. As a linebacker with the Chicago Bears, he used his 6′ 3″, 245-pound body to punish running backs, quarterbacks and wide receivers. He was an intimidating force who inspired the likes of Mike Singletary, Lawrence Taylor, Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher.

The eight-time Pro Bowler is now focused on two other missions: Speaking out against the use of steroids, HGH and other performance-enhancing drugs; and raising awareness about situations regarding former NFL players who have been leveled by health and/or financial troubles.

Among his primary endeavors is the “Play Clean” campaign, headed by Butkus and his son, Matt (pictured). With support from such companies as Old Spice and sports nutrition firm EAS (Energy Athletics Strength), Butkus speaks to young athletes and their parents and coaches about the dangers of steroids and PEDs.

Butkus was at the IDEA World Fitness Convention in Los Angeles on Aug. 12, where he was touting the news that EAS had become the “first major brand to achieve 100% certification of its sports nutrition product line.” He spoke with Big Lead Sports about steroids, the NFL’s treatment of retired players and the future of the NFL.

Big Lead Sports: The subject of steroids and its misuse by athletes obviously is important to you. Does that trace back to your days the NFL?

Dick Butkus: The real awareness and dangers of steroids came after my NFL career, but I have been aware of the situation for a long time. Many years ago, I spoke with my cardiologist, who was attending body builders and former body builders who all had taken steroids. And he found that for many of them, their hearts appeared to be 30 years older than what they should have been. They all had serious medical conditions that were a direct result of their use of steroids. So that, plus the fact that I keep track of what is happening in sports at the high school, college and pro levels, inspired me to form  “Play Clean.” My son Matt and I speak directly to coaches, educators, parents, athletes and fans about the dangers steroids and performance enhancing products.

BLS: Does the fact that you played in the NFL and are in the Hall of Fame resonate with young players when you speak with them?

DB : There is much more testing, so I’d say even down to the high school level there is much more awareness. The NFL is getting closer to testing for HGH [human growth hormone]. There is so much more that we have found out about it and that it causes cancer. [There is] testing that shows it can actually lower your strength instead of raising your strength. So I think it is a good move by the NFL. I think they are doing these guys a favor by helping them out with their health.