Robb Butler facts for kids

Robb-Davon Butler (born September 14, 1981) is a former American football player. He played as a defensive back and spent one season with the San Diego Chargers in the National Football League (NFL). Before joining the NFL, he was a standout college player, earning Division I-AA All-American honors in 2003. He also played for several other teams in different football leagues.

Early Life and High School Football

Robb Butler grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a talented athlete at Perry Traditional Academy. He earned "letterman" status for three years in both football and track and field. This means he was a key player on both teams.

In 1998, during his senior year, Butler was recognized as an All-State player in football. He was also chosen for the 1999 AAA Pennsylvania Big 33 Team. This team played in the famous Big 33 Football Classic game. Local newspapers like the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review also named him to their special teams.

As a high school player, Butler was great at catching the ball. In his senior year, he had 35 catches for 631 yards. He scored 14 touchdowns in total. These included touchdowns from punt returns, kick returns, and even an interception return. He was also good at stopping the other team, getting six interceptions in both his junior and senior years. Butler helped his team win the City League championship in 1997 and 1998.

He played football at Perry with Rod Rutherford, who later became his teammate at the University of Pittsburgh. After high school, Butler chose to play college football at the University of Pittsburgh.

College Football Career

Robb Butler started his college football journey at the University of Pittsburgh. He played for the Pittsburgh Panthers in 1999 and 2000. During these years, he played as a reserve cornerback and helped out on special teams. In 1999, he played in the last eight games of the season. He made ten tackles and defended two passes. He even broke up a pass in the end zone during the final game ever played at Pitt Stadium. In 2000, he played in ten games, making five tackles.

After the 2000 season, Butler switched positions to wide receiver. He then transferred to Robert Morris University in August 2001. He had to sit out the 2001 season, which is called "redshirting."

From 2002 to 2003, Butler played for the Robert Morris Colonials. In 2002, he caught 29 passes for 459 yards, which was the most on his team. For his senior season in 2003, he changed positions again, becoming a strong safety. He had a fantastic year, making 84 tackles, two interceptions, and forcing two fumbles. Because of his great performance, he was named a first-team Division I-AA All-American.

Professional Football Journey

After college, Robb Butler was not chosen in the 2004 NFL draft. However, he signed with the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League (NFL) on April 25, 2004. He was the fifth player from Robert Morris University to sign an NFL contract.

He was first on the Chargers' practice squad. Then, on November 30, 2004, he was moved to the main team. During the 2004 season, Butler played in five games for the Chargers. He made seven tackles and returned two kickoffs for 35 yards. He was released by the Chargers in September 2005.

Butler continued his professional career by playing for several other teams. He spent time with the Baltimore Ravens in 2005 and 2006. He also signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2007.

In 2008, he played in the Arena Football League for the Kansas City Brigade. He made 11 solo tackles and had one interception during the 2008 season. Later that year, he joined the Erie RiverRats in the American Indoor Football Association. He played with his former high school and college teammate, Rod Rutherford, on the RiverRats. In 2009, Butler played for the Wheeling Wildcats in the Continental Indoor Football League, where he again played alongside Rod Rutherford.

Life After Football

After his football career, Robb Butler worked for PPG Industries. He also earned an MBA degree from Olin Business School.

As of 2020, Butler was coaching high school football. He was the wide receivers and defensive backs coach at Calabasas High School in Calabasas, California. His son, Aaron, is also a talented football player. Aaron, a four-star recruit from Calabasas High School, committed to play for the Colorado Buffaloes football team in the 2024 class.