Jack Butler, a Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback from the 1950s who was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, died Saturday morning at 85.
Butler ended his nine-year NFL career ranked second all-time in interceptions with 52, four of which he returned for a touchdown. He was a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1950s and was named to four Pro Bowls.
Butler had been hospitalized at UPMC Shadyside Hospital in Pittsburgh since November due to a staph infection, which developed from a leg injury that ended his career in 1959. The Steelers issued their condolences and remembered Butler.
Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney Statement on Passing of Jack Butler
Jack was a tremendous player who ranked among the best in league history with his 52 interceptions while only playing in 12 games a year. He was a versatile player who was also used as a wide receiver, but his career ended unfortunately too soon with a bad knee injury. He was an excellent person both on and off the field, and he played an integral role in the BLESTO scouting program and our entire draft process before his retirement. His family was very close to the entire Rooney family, and he will be missed. Our condolences are with his family through this very tough time.Steelers President Art Rooney II Statement on Passing of Jack ButlerJack Butler was one of the all-time great Steelers. He devoted his entire life to the NFL and made contributions to many teams and many players through his work with BLESTO and player personnel matters. Our condolences are with the entire Butler family.Steelers General Manager Kevin Colbert Statement on Passing of Jack ButlerJack was a great person and great friend who always placed his faith and family first. Beyond his great play on the field, he was a legendary personnel man who helped so many of us get established in our scouting careers. He will be missed, but never forgotten.
