LeRoy Butler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
LeRoy Butler

Butler at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee in 2005
No. 36
Position:	Safety
Personal information
Born:	(1968-07-19) July 19, 1968 (age 57) Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	204 lb (93 kg)
Career information
High school:	Robert E. Lee (Jacksonville)
College:	Florida State (1986–1989)
NFL Draft:	1990 / Round: 2 / Pick: 48
Career history
Green Bay Packers (1990–2001)
Career highlights and awards
Super Bowl champion (XXXI) 4× First-team All-Pro (1993, 1996–1998) 4× Pro Bowl (1993, 1996-1998) NFL 1990s All-Decade Team Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Consensus All-American (1989)
Career NFL statistics
Tackles: 989 Interceptions: 38 Sacks: 20.5 Forced fumbles: 13
Player stats at PFR
Pro Football Hall of Fame

LeRoy Butler III (born July 19, 1968) is a famous American former football player. He played his entire 12-year career as a safety for the Green Bay Packers in the National Football League (NFL) from 1990 to 2001. In 2022, he was honored by being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

LeRoy Butler was born in Jacksonville, Florida. As a child, he faced physical challenges that sometimes required him to wear leg braces or use a wheelchair. Despite these difficulties, he worked hard and became an excellent high school football player. He was even named one of the best Florida high school players ever in 2007. After high school, he played college football for the Florida State Seminoles. His successful college career led to him being picked by the Packers in the 1990 NFL Draft.

During his 12 seasons with the Packers, Butler was chosen as a first-team All-Pro four times, meaning he was considered one of the best players in the league at his position. He helped the Packers win Super Bowl XXXI and is also famous for creating the "Lambeau Leap" touchdown celebration. Butler was recognized as a member of the National Football League 1990s All-Decade Team and is also in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Challenges

LeRoy Butler grew up in Jacksonville, Florida. When he was a baby, doctors had to perform a procedure on his feet because they were severely turned inward. This meant he struggled to walk and spent much of his early childhood in leg braces and a wheelchair. He learned to walk without help when he was eight years old.

His mother, Eunice, raised him and his four siblings by herself, often working three jobs. LeRoy's uncle, Charles "Von" Durham, was a big influence in his life. He encouraged LeRoy to start playing organized youth football at age 12 in a YMCA league. LeRoy attended Robert E. Lee High School in Jacksonville, where he became a standout player. His coach, Corky Rogers, was one of the most successful high school football coaches in Florida's history.

College Football Career

Butler played college football for the Florida State Seminoles from 1986 to 1989. He couldn't play during his first year because his grades didn't meet the college's requirements. For his first two seasons, he played as a safety. Then, he switched to cornerback for his third season to replace another famous player, Deion Sanders. This change made it a bit tricky for NFL teams to decide what position he would play professionally.

One of the most memorable moments of his college career was a trick play called the "puntrooskie" in 1988. Florida State was playing against rival Clemson, and the score was tied with little time left. The coach called a fake punt. The ball was snapped to a player who then secretly handed it to Butler. LeRoy ran 78 yards, setting up the game-winning field goal. This play is still talked about by Florida State fans today!

Professional Football Journey

Starting in the NFL

The Green Bay Packers chose LeRoy Butler in the second round of the 1990 NFL Draft. He was initially a cornerback, but the Packers soon saw his potential to play safety. He quickly became an important player for the team.

In his first season, 1990, Butler played in all 16 games. He showed his talent by making tackles and intercepting passes. In one game against the Minnesota Vikings, he intercepted two passes.

Switching to Safety

In 1991, the Packers drafted another cornerback, which led to Butler moving to the strong safety position. This turned out to be a great move for him and the team. He became a starter and continued to make big plays, including interceptions and fumble recoveries.

In 1992, a new head coach, Mike Holmgren, and defensive coordinator, Ray Rhodes, joined the Packers. They officially made Butler the starting strong safety. He continued to excel, showing his versatility and strength on defense.

Becoming an All-Pro Player

The 1993 season was a breakout year for Butler. He started all 16 games and had an amazing season with many tackles, pass deflections, and six interceptions. His outstanding performance earned him his first selection to the Pro Bowl, which is an all-star game for the best players in the NFL. The Packers also made it to the playoffs that year.

The Famous Lambeau Leap

On December 26, 1993, LeRoy Butler made history by creating a famous touchdown celebration known as the "Lambeau Leap". During a game against the Los Angeles Raiders, Butler forced a fumble, and the ball ended up in the hands of his teammate, Reggie White. White then tossed the ball to Butler, who ran it into the end zone for a touchdown.

Excited by the play, Butler ran towards the fans in the stands behind the end zone and jumped into their arms to celebrate. This spontaneous act became a tradition. Now, after almost every touchdown scored by the Packers at their home stadium, Lambeau Field, players jump into the stands to celebrate with their fans.

Super Bowl Champion

Butler continued to be a top player throughout the mid-1990s. In 1996, he had one of his best seasons, recording many tackles, interceptions, and sacks. His strong play helped the Packers have an incredible season, finishing with the best record in the NFL.

On January 26, 1997, Butler started in Super Bowl XXXI against the New England Patriots. He had a fantastic game, making tackles and even sacking the Patriots' quarterback. The Packers won the Super Bowl 35-21, earning LeRoy Butler his first and only Super Bowl ring!

The Packers returned to the Super Bowl the following year, Super Bowl XXXII, but lost a close game to the Denver Broncos.

Later Career and Retirement

LeRoy Butler continued to play at a high level for the Packers. He was known for his hard hits, ability to intercept passes, and his skill at rushing the quarterback. He played alongside other great safeties like Darren Sharper.

In 2001, Butler suffered a broken shoulder blade while tackling a player. This injury did not heal properly, and it forced him to retire from football before the 2002 season.

Legacy and Hall of Fame

LeRoy Butler played in 181 NFL games during his career. He won a Super Bowl ring, was chosen as an All-Pro four times, and played in the Pro Bowl four times. He was also named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, which honors the best players from that decade.

In 2007, he was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. Then, in 2022, LeRoy Butler received the highest honor in professional football when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This means he is recognized as one of the greatest players in NFL history.

During his 12 seasons, he recorded 953 tackles, 38 interceptions, and 20.5 sacks. He was the first defensive back in NFL history to achieve both 20 sacks and 20 interceptions in his career, showing how unique and talented he was.

Personal Life

LeRoy Butler grew up in a challenging neighborhood in Jacksonville, Florida. Despite his difficult childhood and early physical problems, he worked hard to succeed. He credits his uncle, Charles "Von" Durham, for encouraging him to play football.

He married Rhodesia Lee, whom he met in college. They raised three daughters together. LeRoy Butler is now divorced and lives in Milwaukee with his current wife, Genesis. He also has a son, LeRoy Butler Jr., and six grown daughters. He continues to be involved in football by co-hosting a radio show in Milwaukee.

NFL Career Statistics