Butkus Beyond The Line

Join hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola for an engaging podcast episode featuring former NFL player Kurt Becker. Kurt shares his thoughts on the Chicago Bears' current season, providing an inside perspective on their performance. But it's not all about the present; Kurt takes us on a journey back to his recruitment process and his pivotal decision to attend the University of Michigan. Gain valuab...

Join hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola for a special episode featuring original double threat and football legend, Dick Butkus. In this podcast episode, Dick Butkus, known for his intimidating presence on the gridiron, shares his thoughts on the Chicago Bears' current season. He provides unique insights into the team's performance, key players, and what to expect for the rest of the season. This...

Join hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola for an engaging podcast episode featuring former NFL linebacker, Manti Te'o. Manti shares his journey as a Heisman finalist, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the highs and lows of collegiate football. Remarkably, he clinched the Butkus Award twice, both in high school and college, a testament to his exceptional skills. Tune in as Manti offers insights...

Join hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola for an electrifying episode featuring none other than professional boxer "Irish" Micky Ward. In this captivating podcast interview, Ward shares his perspectives on the current boxing landscape, drawing from his own incredible journey. Dive deep into the intense rivalry as Ward discusses his legendary trilogy with Arturo Gatti, providing unprecedented insigh...

In this episode, hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola are joined by recently inducted Hall of Famer, Steve Hutchinson. Known for his outstanding achievements, Steve shares insights into his remarkable journey from being a 1997 National Champion with the University of Michigan to his triumphant years playing with three different NFL organizations. Delve into Steve's experiences on and off the field,...

Join hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola as they sit down with the legendary Joe Jacoby in this compelling podcast interview. As a three-time Super Bowl champion, Joe shares riveting stories of playing alongside Joe Theismann and facing off against Lawrence Taylor. Discover Joe's current hobbies and his heartfelt philanthropic work with various charities. He takes us back to his rookie year, remin...

In this episode, hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola are joined by former NHL hockey player Jeremy Roenick in this captivating podcast interview. Roenick, known for his impressive career stats, shares insights on his golf game, body maintenance, and favorite coaches. He delves into memorable pranks, including a wild adventure in Vegas involving a professional film crew and a terrifying prank. Roen...

Born and raised in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Austin Trout's passion for boxing ignited at a young age. With an unwavering determination and unmatched skill, he quickly climbed the ranks, making his professional debut in 2005. Throughout his career, Trout has showcased exceptional talent, earning him recognition as a former WBA light middleweight world champion. In this episode, join hosts, Matt Butk...

Kevin Butler is a former Super Bowl champion kicker who played for the Chicago Bears from 1985 to 1995. He is recognized as the first kicker to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and is ranked among the 100 greatest Bears of all time. In this episode, hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola discuss past events that Butler encountered towards college football, the '85 Super Bowl Chicago...

Lincoln Coleman Jr. was born in Dallas, Texas, and excelled as a running back during his playing years at Baylor University, the Arena Football League, and the NFL. His professional career kicked off with the Dallas Cowboys, where he joined their roster as a running back. Although primarily serving as a backup, Coleman's versatility and determination quickly made an impact. In this episode, our ho...

Ryan Chiaverini is an Emmy Award-winning television personality, actor, musician, and a southern California native. He’s a sports anchor and host of Windy City Weekend on ABC-7 Chicago. Since 2006, Ryan has covered all of Chicago’s major sports and interviewed a number of celebrities. In this episode, hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola talk with Ryan about his football career playing with his bro...

Jack Sanborn, current linebacker for the Chicago Bears, joins the show today. Growing up in Deer Park, IL, Jack attended Lake Zurich High School where he recorded 296 tackles, and 13 sacks in the three years he played varsity. He was rated as a four-star recruit and went on to further his football career at the University of Wisconsin. In this episode, hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola talk with...

Tony Boselli joins the show today, a former USC Trojan Offensive Tackle from 1991 – 1994. In 1995 he was the first player ever to be drafted by the new Jacksonville Jaguars franchise in the first round, second pick overall. In the episode, our hosts, Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola, chat with Tony about the moment he found out that he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, debating whether there’s...

Danny Amendola grew up in Woodlands, Texas, and went on to further his football career at Texas Tech University. Being an undrafted free agent in 2008, he was signed on to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad, then made a powerful impact by starting at wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams in 2009. In this episode, our hosts, Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola, talk to Danny about his experience being coac...

Richard Dent grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and went on to pursue his football career at Tennessee State University. After being drafted by the Bears in 1983, he accelerated at his position, defensive end, and had a list of accolades throughout his career. In 2011, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his efforts. In the episode, our hosts, Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola sit down wi...

Alan May is a former professional hockey player and current NHL analyst for NBC Sports Washington covering everything Washington Capitals. He played for 5 different NHL organizations between 1988 to 1995. In this episode, our hosts, Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola talk with Alan about his playing career being undrafted, his early life growing up in the Canadian hockey culture, and his broadcast care...

Chris Zorich grew up on the south side of Chicago where he attended Chicago Vocational High School. The same high school that, “The Maestro of Mayhem”, Dick Butkus also attended in his early days. Chris went on to play football at the University of Notre Dame, where he won a National Championship and eventually went on to play for the Chicago Bears for six seasons (1991 – 1997). In this episode, o...

Dylan Strome grew up in Mississauga, Ontario playing hockey at an early age. In 2015, Strome was drafted first-round third overall in the 2015 NHL draft by the Arizona Coyotes. After playing three seasons with the Yotes, Strome went on to play for the Chicago Blackhawks for 4 seasons, tallying up 225 points. In this episode, our hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola talk to Strome about his career w...

Gary Fencik grew up just outside of Chicago in Barrington, Illinois. He played college football at Yale University in the wide receiver position, catching 86 passes for 1,436 yards and 7 touchdowns from 1973 to 1975. In this episode, our host, Matt Butkus, talks with Gary about his unique journey to the NFL being drafted by the Miami Dolphins originally, how the idea of the Iconic Super Bowl Shuff...

We are joined today by Keith Van Horne, who played Offensive Tackle for the Chicago Bears from 1981 to 1993. He’s a Super Bowl Champion playing on the 1985 Bears Team, and he’s a former National Champion, who had played for the USC Trojans back in 1978. In this episode, our hosts, Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola, talk to Keith about some of the craziest stories Keith experienced during his time with...

Jarrett Payton, a Chicago-Land native that grew up in Arlington Heights and South Barrington, Illinois, and son of “Sweetness,” Walter Payton, joins the show! Jarrett is a 2001 National Champion, playing running back for the Miami Hurricanes, sports reporter, and host of CLTV’s Sports Feed. In this episode, host Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola talk with Jarrett about his career playing for the power...

Alex Cavatton, Italian sports author and sports facilitator of the Chicago Bears Italia Fan Base, joins the show today. Hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola talk to Alex about his book “Chicago Sunday”, which covers the history of the last 100 years of the Chicago Bears franchise. They also talk about his other novels, what inspired him to become involved with the American sports culture, and much...

Jim "Jimbo" Covert joins the show today. He’s a two-time first-team all-pro offensive tackle, two-time pro bowler, a pro football and college football Hall of Famer, and a Super Bowl champion, playing on the 1985 Chicago Bears team. In Part 2 of this episode, our hosts, Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola, talk to Jim about his current lifestyle and hobbies outside of football. Jim shares his craziest m...

Jim "Jimbo" Covert joins the show today. He’s a two-time first-team all-pro offensive tackle, two-time pro bowler, a pro football and college football Hall of Famer, and a Super Bowl champion, playing on the 1985 Chicago Bears team. In Part 1 of this episode, our hosts Matt Butkus, and Matt Amendola talk to Jim about growing up in Pennsylvania playing for The University of Pittsburg with Dan Marin...

Doug Plank joins the show today, a former NFL Safety that played for the Chicago Bears from 1975 to 1982. He also played for The Ohio State Buckeyes winning three Big Ten Titles and participating in three consecutive Rose Bowls. In this episode, our hosts Matt Butkus and Matt Amendola talk to Doug about how the Bears used to run their defense when Buddy Ryan was the Defensive Coordinator and how D...