Bret Bielema should be feeling good about where Illinois is right now. Especially after getting to meet Illinois great Dick Butkus.

Butkus stopped by to watch Illinois play Chattanooga on Thursday, as the Fighting Illini held the Mocs scoreless in a 31-0 win.

Bielema made a post on social media what it was like to meet Butkus, and talk about how proud he is of his football team.

“Yesterday was a great day to get a win and keep our family headed in the right direction,” said Bielema. “But for me to meet and visit with ⁦Dick Butkus was an incredible moment and honor on so many levels.”

Bielema will be hoping to bring his team to a bowl game for the first time since 2019. Illinois finished 5-7 in Bielema’s first season with the team, and will be looking for a much better finish after the 3-1 start.

Having the support of a living legend like Butkus can go a long way for a football program.