I want to be recognized as the best-no doubt about it. When they say all-pro middle linebacker, I want them to mean Butkus!

Anything that happens that's good, they think, Oh, it's an accident, when is the roof caving in? You've got to get them out of that mental framework.

I want to be recognized as the best-no doubt about it. When they say all-pro middle linebacker, I want them to mean Butkus!

Few people get to earn a living at what they like to do and there are hazards in any profession. Football is something I was made for. I gave the game all I could for as long as I could. I guess my only regret was that my career was too short.

If we're not on them, they go back to their old ways.

If I was smart enough to be a doctor, I'd be a doctor. I ain't, so I'm a football player.

The bottom line is that these athletes tend to be safer investments because they really value their marketing opportunities. They don't make as much money as during their active careers.