Bears star D.J. Moore pays emotional tribute to Hall of Famer Dick Butkus after Chicago end 347-day losing run
D.J. Moore has paid tribute to Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus after the franchise finally ended their 347-day winless streak.
NFL Hall of Famer Butkus, 80, died just hours before the Bears' Thursday Night Football showdown with the Washington Commanders in which Moore scored three touchdowns.
A Bears icon, Butkus spent his entire NFL career with Chicago after being drafted as the No. 3 overall pick in 1965.
He was a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
The organization retired his No. 51 jersey in 1979.
News of Butkus' death broke shortly before Chicago's game in Washington, where the 0-4 visiting team was looking to end a dismal run of losses.
READ MORE ON NFL
The Bears had lost 14 straight games - a run stretching back to last October - but rebounded in style thanks to a stunning performance from Moore.
After fans and players had stood for a moment of silence in memory of Butkus, the 26-year-old star racked up a remarkable 230 receiving yards and brought in 3 touchdowns as the Bears won 40-20.
Following the emotional win, Moore took to X, formerly known as Twitter.
He wrote: "R.I.P Dick Butkus. [He] Was looking over us Tonight."
Most read in Sport
Bears fans were quick to respond, with one writing: "RIP Butkus. Also, congrats DJ on an absolutely historic performance tonight!"
Another said: "Homage to the legends, and setting new records for the future. DJ MOORE CHICAGO LOVES YOU."
While a third added: "Pure class acknowledging him like this. Congratulations on the big win!"
Bears chairman George H. McCaskey also paid tribute to "Chicago's son."
He wrote: "Dick was the ultimate Bear and one of the greatest players in NFL history.
"He was Chicago’s son. He exuded what our great city is about and, not coincidentally, what George Halas looked for in a player: toughness, smarts, instincts, passion and leadership.
"He refused to accept anything less than the best from himself, or from his team-mates.
"His contributions to the game he loved will live forever and we are grateful he was able to be at our home opener this year to be celebrated one last time by his many fans."
Now 1-4 on the NFL season, the Bears will look to take their momentum into a Week 6 game against the Minnesota Vikings.