Original: Richard Marvin '' Dick '' Butkus ( born December 9 , 1942 ) is a former American football player , widely regarded as the greatest linebacker of his generation and one of the best football players of all time .
Simplified: Richard Marvin '' Dick '' Butkus ( born December 9 , 1942 ) is a former American football player , commonly considered as the greatest linebacker of his time and one of the best football players ever .