Best of the Packers: Top 10 defensive backs since 1960
By Phil Watson
3. LeRoy Butler (1990-2001)
The Green Bay Packers selected Florida State defensive back LeRoy Butler in the second round of the 1990 NFL Draft, with the idea of using him as a cornerback.
But after two years at the position, one as a nickelback and the other as the starting corner on the left side, the Packers moved Butler to strong safety in 1992.
Solid move.
Butler was a four-time All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler at the position, notching six interceptions in 1993 while also establishing himself as a blitzing threat.
He was the first defensive back in NFL history with at least 20 interceptions and 20 sacks. He was credited with a career-high 6½ sacks in 1996, the second of his All-Pro campaigns (1993, 1996-98).
Butler broke his shoulder blade while making a tackle in 2001 and he retired before the 2002 season after it was discovered the shoulder had not properly healed.
He was also an innovator, credited with the first Lambeau Leap in a game against the Los Angeles Raiders in December 1993 when he leaped into the south bleachers after scoring on a 25-yard lateral of a fumble recovered by Reggie White.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame named him first team on its All-1990s squad and he was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame in 2007.
He is tied for fourth in franchise history with 38 interceptions, ranks sixth with 533 yards in returns, is fourth with 13 forced fumbles and logged 20 ½ sacks and 889 tackles.
Somehow, though, he’s never even been a finalist in voting for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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