O.J. Simpson Says Dick Butkus Only Player He Was Afraid Of—'Intimidated Me'

O.J. Simpson said the only player who intimidated him on the field was Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus, who has passed away aged 80.

The Chicago Bears legend "died peacefully" in his sleep on Wednesday night at his home in Malibu, California, according to a family statement.

Simpson's thoughts on Butkus were from a resurfaced clip, shared by NFL historian Kevin Gallagher to X, formerly Twitter, as he paid tribute to the late pro footballer.

"Is there a place to hide out around here?" Simpson jokes in the throwback clip, before sharing his thoughts on Butkus.

"Dick Butkus, Christ. He's the only guy that's ever, I guess, intimidated me on a football field."

Simpson also paid tribute to Butkus on his X account and recalled the first time he saw Butkus play in a college game for Illinois University against the University of California.

"I just got word one of the greatest players Dick Butkus has died," Simpson began, saying at the college game he saw a "guy who got my attention... and I kept saying, 'who in the heck is that guy'."

"I always said he was as good if not the best football player I'd ever seen... I got to meet him not too many years after I played him and I was shocked at what a congenial, nice guy he was, just really funny, just a really nice guy."

Simpson concluded: "Well, he's gone now. I just want to send my condolences to his entire family and God bless you Dick. Great guy, maybe the greatest football player ever, and I certainly wouldn't argue with anybody if they said that."

Butkus' family announced the former player's death on Thursday.

"The Butkus family is gathering with Dick's wife Helen," the statement continued. "They appreciate your prayers and support."

The Chicago Bears also released a statement after Butkus' passing, describing him as "one of the greatest players in history."

"His contributions to the game he loved will live forever and we are grateful he was able to be at our home opener this year to be celebrated one last time by his many fans," the Bears wrote in the statement posted to social media.

"We extend our condolences to Helen, Dick's high school sweetheart and wife of 60 years, and their family."

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also spoke highly of Butkus, saying he was a "fierce and passionate competitor who helped define the linebacker position as one of the NFL's all-time greats."

"Dick's intuition, toughness and athleticism made him the model linebacker whose name will forever be linked to the position and the Chicago Bears," he said in a statement.

Some of the initiatives Butkus was dedicated to included eradicating the use of performance-enhancing drugs in the sport. He also worked to raise awareness for heart health issues, according to the Bears.

Born and raised in Chicago, Butkus started with the Bears in 1965 and retired in 1973. He was named first-team All-NFL six times and played in eight straight Pro Bowls. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.