The ceremony will welcome the finest linebackers and celebrate one of the greatest to ever play the game, Fighting Illini alumnus Dick Butkus.

The Butkus Award is presented annually to the nation's best linebacker at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels.

The award was created in honor of Butkus, an Illinois native and two-time All-American linebacker at the University of Illinois. After leaving Illinois, Butkus enjoyed a Hall of Fame career with the Chicago Bears.

"We are incredibly excited to bring the 2025 Butkus Award ceremony back to where it all began – Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois," said Matt Butkus, son of the late Dick Butkus, who passed away in 2023. "This event is more than just an award ceremony; it's a celebration of the game, of my father's legacy, and of the players who continue to honor the spirit of hard work and dedication that my dad embodied. We are looking forward to a memorable night with the athletes, coaches, and fans who make this sport so special."

Josh Whitman, Director of Athletics at the University of Illinois, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of the event for the university and the community.

"It is an honor for the University of Illinois to host the Butkus Award Show in Memorial Stadium, where Dick Butkus not only played but set an enduring standard for the linebacker position by becoming one of the most feared and respected players in football history," said Whitman. "The Butkus name is synonymous with toughness, teamwork, and excellence, and we are proud to celebrate Dick's enduring legacy right here, where it all started. I was honored to call Dick a friend, and we are so proud to host this special event, with players from all levels of the great game of football, here on our campus. We look forward to welcoming the Butkus family, fans, and the football community to this historic venue."