One of the key assets of Commander’s legacy, All-Pro defensive lineman Dave Butz passed away. He was 72. The news about his departure came on Friday after the family informed the franchise about their loss. Celebrities and fans all across the world mourned his death. Especially stars like Dale Earnhardt Jr and his former teammate Joe Theismann just couldn’t believe learning the news.

The place and cause of death are still unknown; however, his departure certainly proved to be a big loss for the franchise and the NFL world. The two-time Super Bowl Champion spent 14 of his 16 seasons in Washington and the remaining with the St. Louis Cardinals.

During his tenure at Washington, the legend happened to be the face of the team’s defense. He was 6-foot-8 and nearly 300 pounds, making him one of the biggest players of that time.

His natural brute force and scary defensive skills made him a great prospect leading the side to two Super Bowl titles in the 1982 and 1987 seasons. The Purdue product was the fifth overall pick of the 1973 NFL draft, and subsequently, he became an All-Pro selection in 1983.

The veteran announced his retirement after the 1988 season and got inducted into Washington’s Ring of Fame. Interestingly, he also secured a spot in the 90 Greatest players of all time for the franchise, and a few years back got elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014. “We’re heartbroken over the loss of Washington Legend Dave Butz,” the team said via Twitter.

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“A 2x Super Bowl champion and member of our Ring of Fame and 90 Greatest lists. Sending our deepest condolences to Dave’s family and friends.” The statement read. Out of 216 regular season games in his entire career, Butz registered 64 sacks and ranks third for all-time sacks in franchise history.

NASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr mourns the loss

Butz’s news spread like a shockwave for the entire sports fraternity. Growing up, he was an idol for many athletes, and it was no different for Dale Earnhardt Jr. The NASCAR driver could believe his ears and expressed his condolences via Twitter for the legend whom he aspired to as a teenager.

“Was an honor to meet him. Rest in peace to a legend,” he wrote on Twitter sharing an old photograph of meeting the star. Just like him, Butz’s former quarterback Joe Theismann wrote a heartfelt message for his friend. “Lost a dear friend today. Dave Butz. Dave, Mark (Moseley), and I used to ride to games together. A true gentle giant. Rest In Peace my friend.” he shared the message on Twitter.

Indeed, his loss is irreplaceable, but his legacy shall forever be written in golden words. May the noble soul rest in peace!

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