Butler passed away early Saturday morning in Pittsburgh at the age of 85. Butler was an undrafted rookie free agent in 1951 and played for the Steelers from 1951 to 1959.
The Steelers found Butler based on a recommendation that Art Rooney Sr. received from his brother Dan Rooney, who was a priest at St. Bonaventure University. Butler would become a defensive back and occasional wide receiver for the Steelers.
During his nine year NFL career Butler was a 4-time Pro Bowl selection and 3-time All-Pro. He finished his career with 52 interceptions, which he returned for a total of 827 yards and four touchdowns. Butler also player some receiver on offense, but when tight end Pete Retzlaff of the Philadelphia Eagles rolled into Butler’s knee he was forced to retire.
Butler never made more than around $12,000 as a player with the Steelers. Following his playing career, Butler spent 46 years as a BLESTO scout. Yesterday it was reported that Mike Butler, son of Jack, who has been a scout with the team since 1983, will now be the team’s BLESTO scout following in his father’s footsteps.
In October 2008, Butler was named a to the Steelers 75th anniversary team as part of a season celebration. He was named to the National Football League 1950s All-Decade Team. Last year Butler was named as part of the 2012 class to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a senior nominee.
