Packers: Top 10 Green Bay Packers not in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
By Phil Watson
LeRoy Butler, shown in an undated handout photo.
1. LeRoy Butler, S (1990-2001)
LeRoy Butler came to the Packers as a second-round pick in 1990 out of Florida State, a cornerback with questionable speed. He left after 12 seasons as the best strong safety in the NFL in the 1990s.
Butler was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-1990s team as a first-teamer after earning four All-Pro selections and being named to four Pro Bowls.
The other first team safety was Steve Atwater, with Carnell Lake and Ronnie Lott the second teamers. That’s an impressive group.
Butler had 38 career interceptions, tied with Charles Woodson for fourth in team history and trailing only Bobby Dillon, Willie Wood and Herb Adderley. He also had 20½ sacks, the most in franchise history for a defensive back and seventh in NFL history among DBs.
Add that to 889 career tackles, 13 forced fumbles and 10 fumble recoveries and you had a player who made an impact.
Butler also pioneered the famous Lambeau Leap:
However, Butler has never made it to even the semifinal stage in the Hall of Fame voting, much less being named a finalist.
Butler, now 46, was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 2007.
Realistic Hall Chances: You have to think it will happen for Butler at some point, but even as Atwater can’t get past the semifinal stage, Butler still has yet to make it that far. It seems cornerbacks get all the love from the voters while the safeties are stuck behind them.
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