Burring his college career he he became a
All-American, in 1963 and 1964. He won the Chicago Tribune Silver
Football in 1963 as the Big Ten's Most Valuable Player, and was
named the American Football Coaches Association Player of the Year
in 1964. Butkus finished sixth in Heisman Trophy balloting in 1963
and third in 1964, a rare accomplishment for both linemen and defensive
players. Butkus is a member of The Pigskin Club of Washington, D.C., which
recognizes National Intercollegiate All-American football players.
After his university years, Butkus continued to receive recognition.
He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983,
and is one of only two players to have a uniform number (#50)
retired by the University of Illinois football program.