DeMarcus Ware has become the first NFL player to receive the Butkus Award as the league's best linebacker. Named after Hall of Fame Bears linebacker Dick Butkus, the award has been given out every year since 1985 to the top collegiate linebacker in the country. This is the first year there is a high school and a professional winner. "It's a great thing to be the first of anything, especially to be nominated for something like the Butkus Award," said Ware. "To be known as the most well-rounded linebacker, you have to able to drop into coverage, rush the passer but also to be able to stop the run when it comes at you."