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Helen Essenberg Biography

Updated On 08 Jan, 2024 Published On 08 Jan, 2024
Helen Essenberg
Single

Facts of Helen Essenberg

Family Name : Essenberg

Relationship short Statistics of Helen Essenberg

What is Helen Essenberg marital status ? ( married,single, in relation or divorce): Single
How many children does Helen Essenberg have ? (name): 0 Children
Is Helen Essenberg having any relationship affair ?: No
Is Helen Essenberg Lesbian ? Don't Know

Not many people know about Helen Essenberg, but she's been right by the side of a football legend: Dick Butkus. For more than sixty years, Helen has been the loyal and supportive wife of the former Chicago Bears linebacker, considered one of the greatest players in football history. Helen and Dick have had a long and happy marriage, raising three kids and enjoying time with their grandchildren. 

Despite her husband's fame and wealth, Helen has kept a low profile, leading a simple life away from the spotlight and media attention. So, who is Helen Essenberg, and what's her story? Let's explore some facts about the woman behind the legend.

Relationship with Dick Butkus

Helen Essenberg was the longtime wife of the late NFL legend Dick Butkus. They met in high school and got married in 1963 while they were students at the University of Illinois. 

Helen Essenberg alongside her late husband Dick Butkus.  

Helen chose to stay out of the spotlight and focused on being a devoted mother and spouse. She remained by Dick's side until his unfortunate death. Their love story began in high school, and for over six decades, Helen was a constant source of support for Dick throughout his football career and beyond.

Mother of Three Kids

Dick Butkus and Helen Essenberg are parents to three children. They have two sons, Ricky Butkus and Matt Butkus, and a daughter named Nikki Butkus. Unfortunately, there isn't much information available about Nikki, including details about her profession or personal life. 

Helen Essenberg with her late spouse and their three children.

Matt played college-level football as a defensive lineman for the USC Trojans, but he didn't pursue a career in the NFL. On the other hand, Ricky is known for his acting roles in Star Trek, National Treasure, and Spider-Man.

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Who was Dick Butkus?

Dick Butkus, born on December 9, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois, was a legendary American football linebacker. He played for the Chicago Bears in the National Football League (NFL) from 1965 to 1973.

Dick Butkus was an American football linebacker.

Unfortunately, he passed away on October 5, 2023, at the age of 80. Butkus is widely recognized as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history and was honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979. 

Watch out the video of the legendary Dick Butkus.

Throughout his career, he achieved five-time first-team All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler status with the Chicago Bears. Remarkably, Butkus spent his entire football journey in Illinois, starting as a two-time All-American at the University of Illinois and concluding as an enduring Bears legend.

Causes of Death

Dick Butkus, the legendary NFL Hall of Fame linebacker and Chicago Bears star passed away on October 5, 2023, due to a stroke, as mentioned in his death certificate from the Los Angeles Department of Public Health. 

The certificate listed atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), high cholesterol, and atherosclerosis (thick/hardened arteries) as secondary causes. It also noted that Butkus had undergone coronary bypass surgery in 2001.

Helen's Late Husband's Passion For Helping Others

Dick Butkus was deeply involved in helping others through philanthropy and charity work during his life. In 1985, he started The Dick Butkus Foundation, aiming to support organizations assisting families in need.

The foundation runs programs like The I Play Clean program and The Butkus Center for Cardiovascular Wellness, promoting early cardiovascular screening for American adults. It's a non-profit organization focused on promoting health and wellness through special cause marketing. 

To honor his contributions to the sport, the Butkus Award was created, recognizing the best linebackers in high school, college, and professional football each year. Butkus' commitment to health and wellness is evident through his foundation's various initiatives.

How Much is Helen Essenberg's Net Worth?

Helen Essenberg hasn't shared details about her job or career. She might have worked before, but we don't know what she did or for how long. It's possible she focused on being a full-time homemaker and mom, taking care of her family and home. We don't know Helen's net worth, but she shares the wealth of her husband, Dick, who's estimated to be worth $8 million. 

Well, Dick earned his money through a successful career as a football player, sports commentator, and actor. He played for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1973, receiving many awards, including eight Pro Bowl selections, two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In addition, he also worked as a sports analyst, and broadcaster, and appeared in movies and TV shows like The Longest Yard, Necessary Roughness, My Two Dads, and Hang Time. 

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Inside Helen Essenberg's Family Background

Helen Essenberg was born in the United States, but we don't know the exact date and place. However, she like to prefer a private lifestyle just like Denika Kisty and Tinglan Hong

Likewise, Helen hasn't shared many details about her parents, siblings, or other family members. She keeps her educational background private, and it's unclear if she pursued any formal or informal studies.

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