CHICAGO—NFL Hall of Famer Dick Butkus is upset that steroid use has tainted football and that young athletes are questioning their role models.

“I owe everything to football,” Butkus said. “I’m embarrassed that for some other kid, it won’t be as pure as when I was able to play.”

The former Chicago Bears linebacker said professional leagues like the NFL should take the responsibility to reach out to high schools and teach students that steroids don’t create success.

Butkus spoke to more than 200 students at a Soldier Field rally, along with former Bears coach Mike Ditka, former Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Anthony Munoz.