Victor Butler

Last updated

Victor Butler
No. 55, 57
Position: Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1987-07-29) July 29, 1987 (age 37)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:231 lb (105 kg)
Career information
High school: Rialto (CA) Eisenhower
College: Oregon State
NFL draft: 2009  / Round: 4 / Pick: 110
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:91
Sacks:11.0
Forced fumbles:4
Fumble recoveries:2
Player stats at PFR  ·  CFL.ca

Victor Allen Butler (born July 29, 1987) is a former American football linebacker. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2009 NFL draft. He played college football at Oregon State University.

Contents

Early life

Butler attended Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California, where he was a teammate of future NFL player Ryan Clady.

He played as a defensive end (only as a senior), wide receiver, safety and kick returner. He was a two-time All-league selection and was named All-county as a senior.

College career

Butler accepted a football scholarship from Oregon State University. [1] As a true freshman, he was a backup defensive end, collecting 3 tackles and one blocked punt.

As a sophomore, he appeared in all 14 games as a backup, making 17 tackles (5.5 for loss) and 3 sacks. He had 4 tackles (2 for loss) and 1.5 sacks against the University of Washington.

As a junior, he played in 13 games (one start), posting 33 tackles (13 for loss), 10.5 sacks (third in the conference), one interception and one fumble recovery. He had 5 tackles against the University of Cincinnati.

As a senior, he was named team captain and posted career-highs in sacks (12, tied for school record), tackles for a loss (21.5, school-record), quarterback pressures (5), forced fumbles (4), fumble recoveries (2) and tackles (65), while being named first-team All-Pac-10. He tied a school single game sack record (4) in the 2008 Sun Bowl, on his way to being named the game's MVP.

He finished his college career after appearing in 49 games, registering 110 tackles (60 solo), 26 sacks (second in school history), 39.5 tackles for loss (fourth in school history), six forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, five passes defensed and one blocked kick.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Butler was selected in the fourth round (110th overall) of the 2009 NFL draft. [2] As a rookie, he was converted into an outside linebacker in a 3-4 defense and was the backup to DeMarcus Ware. On September 28, he recorded his first two career sacks and caused a fumble against the Carolina Panthers. On November 8, he made a key play by sacking Donovan McNabb with a shoestring tackle, which stopped a critical Philadelphia Eagles drive and helped preserve a Cowboys victory. On December 19, he made his first career start against the New Orleans Saints in place of an injured Ware, compiling one tackle and one quarterback pressure. He appeared in 16 games (one start), compiling 6 defensive tackles, 3 sacks, 2 quarterback pressures, 2 passes defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 12 special teams tackles (tied for fourth on the team).

In 2010, he appeared in 15 games, posting 20 tackles, 2 sacks, 5 quarterback pressures, one forced fumble and 10 special teams tackles (seventh on the team).

In 2011, he appeared in 16 games, making 16 tackles (one for loss), 3 sacks, 9 quarterback pressures, one pass defensed and 14 special teams tackles (tied for third on the team).

In 2012, he appeared in 16 games (one start), collecting 23 tackles (one for loss), 3 sacks, 7 quarterback pressures, 3 passes defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and 4 special teams tackles. He started against the Chicago Bears in place on an injured Anthony Spencer, making one tackle and one fumble recovery. He wasn't re-signed after the season.

During his time with the Cowboys, he played behind outside linebackers Ware and Spencer, making it difficult for him to earn playing time. He was a productive pass rusher, but was not consistent defending the run. [3]

New Orleans Saints

On March 28, 2013, Butler signed a two-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, reuniting with his former defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. [4] On June 12, 2013, Butler suffered a torn ACL during training camp, after a collision with running back Mark Ingram II. On August 27, he was assigned to the reserve/physically unable to perform list, before being placed on injured reserve on December 11. [5] He was waived on August 25, 2014. [6]

Arizona Cardinals

On September 16, 2014, Butler was signed by the Arizona Cardinals, to provide depth after John Abraham was placed on the injured reserve list. He was declared inactive for the third game of the season. On September 30, he was released to make room for linebacker Desmond Bishop. [7]

Indianapolis Colts

On October 6, 2014, he signed as a free agent with the Indianapolis Colts. [8] He was cut on November 18. He was re-signed on November 24. He was released again on November 26, to make room for linebacker Shaun Phillips. [9]

New York Giants

On January 5, 2015, the New York Giants signed him to a reserve/futures contract. On April 10, he was suspended four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. [10] On August 31, Butler's contract was terminated to make room for safety Stevie Brown. [11]

Toronto Argonauts

On February 1, 2017, he signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League after being out of football for a year. [12] Butler caught attention early in the year by recording 8 sacks in his first 3 games. Despite missing 6 games with an injury, Butler was named a CFL East All Star, finishing the regular season with 31 tackles, 10 sacks and 4 forced fumbles in 12 contests, on his way to a Grey Cup championship over the Calgary Stampeders.

In late January 2018 Butler criticized the Argos for not allowing him to pursue NFL opportunities for the 2018 NFL season; following in the footsteps of teammate James Wilder Jr. who two days prior announced that he planned sit out of the 2018 CFL season in favor of having a chance of making it in the NFL. [13] During the 2018 season while Butler sat out, the Argos finished as the worst team in the CFL with a 4-14 record, while the Toronto defense produced the fewest sacks and gave up the most points. [14] On February 12, 2019, Butler officially became a free agent, and was reported to be considering a return to the CFL. [15]

Coaching career

Butler Vick is now a coach for The Episcopal School of Dallas Eagles, an SPC school in Dallas. In 2021-22, the Eagles went undefeated but lost in the championship game against Houston Kinkaid.

Related Research Articles

Broderick Lee Thomas is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, earning unanimous All-American honors in 1988.

Scott Allen Shanle is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the St. Louis Rams, Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. He played college football at the University of Nebraska.

Kevin Lamont Hardy is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, and Cincinnati Bengals. He played college football for the Illinois Fighting Illini.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Akin Ayodele</span> American football player (born 1979)

Akinola James Ayodele is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, and Buffalo Bills. He was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Coffeyville Community College and Purdue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeremy Mincey</span> American football player (born 1983)

Jeremy Lamar Mincey is a former American football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL). He was selected by the New England Patriots in the sixth round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He played college football at Florida. He was also a member of the San Francisco 49ers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos, and Dallas Cowboys

Robert Lee Jones is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, St. Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins, and Washington Redskins. He played college football for the East Carolina Pirates football, earning consensus All-American honors. He was selected by Dallas in the first round of the 1992 NFL Draft with the 24th overall pick.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darrin Smith</span> American football player (born 1970)

Darrin Andrew Smith is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints. He played college football for the Miami Hurricanes.

Quentin John Coryatt is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys. He played college football at Texas A&M University. He is distinguished as being the first Crucian to play in the NFL.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Durant</span> American football player (born 1985)

Justin Ryan Durant is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) who played for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys and Atlanta Falcons. He was drafted by the Jaguars in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft. He played college football at Hampton University.

Orantes Laquay Grant is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins and Cleveland Browns. He was drafted by the Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2000 NFL draft. He played college football at Georgia.

Martez Jerome Wilson is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the New Orleans Saints, Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. He also was a member of the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. He played college football at the University of Illinois.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hénoc Muamba</span> Congolese-Canadian gridiron football player (born 1989)

Hénoc Muamba is a Congolese-Canadian former professional football linebacker who played in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the National Football League (NFL). He is a two-time CFL All-Star, three-time CFL Divisional All-Star, and was named the CFL's Most Outstanding Canadian in 2017. In 2022, he won the Grey Cup with the Argonauts and was named the game's most valuable player (MVP) and Grey Cup Most Valuable Canadian, becoming the second player in history to earn both awards. He has also been a member of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Indianapolis Colts, Montreal Alouettes, Dallas Cowboys, and Saskatchewan Roughriders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Terrell McClain</span> American gridiron football player (born 1988)

Terrell McClain is an American professional football defensive lineman who is a free agent. He was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of South Florida. He has also been a member of the New England Patriots, Houston Texans, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Kansas City Chiefs, and Oakland Raiders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Andrew Gachkar</span> American football player (born 1988)

Andrew Gachkar is a former American football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for the San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers. He was selected by the Chargers in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL Draft. He played college football at the University of Missouri.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kyle Wilber</span> American football player and coach (born 1989)

Kyle Wilber is a former American football linebacker and coach who is the special teams quality control coach for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL draft. He played college football at Wake Forest.

Ryan Davis Sr. is a former American football defensive end. He was signed by the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He played college football at Bethune-Cookman.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cordarro Law</span> American gridiron football player (born 1988)

Cordarro Law is a Canadian football defensive lineman for the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football for Southern Mississippi. He was signed by the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2012. He has also been a member of the San Diego Chargers and Calgary Stampeders.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shawn Lemon</span> American gridiron football player (born 1988)

Shawn Lemon is an American professional football defensive lineman for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Akron. He has been a member of eight CFL teams, three indoor football teams and two NFL teams.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christian Covington</span> Canadian American football player (born 1993)

Christian Coral Cleveland Covington is a Canadian professional gridiron football defensive end for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played college football at Rice and was selected by the Houston Texans in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL draft. He has also been a member of the Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers and Detroit Lions.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Thomas (linebacker)</span> American football player (born 1991)

Joe Lewis Thomas Jr. is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football at South Carolina State, and was signed by the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in 2014.

References

  1. ↑ "Victor Butler Selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 4th Round". OSUBeavers.com. April 26, 2009. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  2. ↑ "2009 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved May 13, 2023.
  3. ↑ "Cowboys free agents: Victor Butler". ESPN. January 8, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  4. ↑ "Saints sign Victor Butler for two years". ESPN. March 28, 2013. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  5. ↑ Alper, Josh (August 27, 2013). "Saints keep the door open for a Victor Butler return". NBCSports.com. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  6. ↑ "New Orleans Saints announce roster moves". NewOrleansSaints.com. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  7. ↑ Crabtree, Curtis. "Cardinals release linebacker Victor Butler". Pro Football Talk. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  8. ↑ "Indianapolis defense making progress; Texans next" . Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  9. ↑ "Colts claim OLB Shaun Phillips" . Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  10. ↑ "Giants LB Victor Butler suspended first 4 games for PEDs" . Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  11. ↑ "New York Giants sign veteran safety Stevie Brown" . Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Argos sign former NFL LB Butler - Article - TSN". TSN. February 1, 2017. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  13. ↑ "Victor Butler: The Argonauts are holding me hostage - 3DownNation". 3DownNation. January 26, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  14. ↑ "O'Leary: Uncertainty looms for Argos, Als and Esks". November 5, 2018. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
  15. ↑ TSN ca Staff (February 13, 2019). "Butler could return to CFL with Alouettes - TSN.ca". TSN. Retrieved September 5, 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.