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Jack Butler Obituary
Butler's son John said his father's heart stopped suddenly Saturday morning. The elder Butler had spent the last several months in the hospital dealing with a staph infection that plagued him since his career ended in 1959.
"It had been a long road," John Butler said. "It wasn't completely out of the blue."
Unlike Butler's professional career.
The Pittsburgh native played wide receiver at St. Bonaventure and was planning on returning to school to get his master's degree when he received a phone call from Steelers business manager Fran Fogarty in the summer of 1951. To be honest, Butler assumed Fogarty had the wrong number.
"I didn't know anything about professional football," Butler said.
It didn't matter. Over the next nine years, Butler became one of the NFL's top defensive backs, a 6-foot-1, 200-pound wrecking ball known for his physical play and uncanny knack for getting to the ball. Butler intercepted 52 passes during his career, including a league-high 10 in 1957. He made the Pro Bowl four times and was chosen first-team All-NFL three times before a knee injury in 1959 ended his career.
Butler remained close to the game after his retirement, becoming a prominent scout who worked closely with the Steelers for over 40 years.
"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," Steelers chairman Dan Rooney said. "His family was very close to the entire Rooney family, and he will be missed."
Butler served as the backbone of a string of mediocre to middling teams in the 1950s and his bruising style became a precursor to the "Steel Curtain" defense that led Pittsburgh to four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s.
He was in his prime in 1959 when a collision with Philadelphia Eagles tight end Pete Retzlaff put an end to his playing days. The details of the play remained vivid more than 50 years later.
"He caught the ball and I was coming over to hit him, to tackle him and before I got to him, he tripped or caught his foot or something," Butler said in July, 2012. "As he was going down, his shoulder hit my (left) knee."
Butler knew the second he looked down at the smashed joint — which appeared to be at a 90-degree angle with the rest of his leg — he needed to think about what he was going to do with the rest of his life.
"It was just sticking out," Butler said. "I knew I was in a lot of trouble."
There was no such thing as arthroscopic knee surgery back then and given the severity of the injury, Butler's not sure he could have recovered if the injury happened today. He endured 10 surgeries and eventually had both of his knees replaced, procedures that limited his mobility later in life.
Still, he managed to make it to Canton, Ohio last summer to be inducted into the Hall of Fame after being elected by the senior committee. It was an honor Butler had given up on long ago even as a campaign to get him into the Hall built steam. He was second in NFL history in career receptions when he retired and still ranks 26th all-time, tied with Champ Bailey among others.
More than a dozen members of his family made the two-hour trip to Canton for the ceremony when the weight of Butler's accomplishments finally seemed to set in.
"If you'd asked him five years, 10 years ago, he'd have said it was no big deal," John Butler said Saturday. "But then when it happened, he was like, 'this is a big deal.' When they told him 25,000 players or so had been in the league and you're No. 268, he was like, 'Wow, that's pretty good.' He kind of really figured it out."
Butler didn't have a secret for his transformation from unknown to Hall of Famer. He knew he loved football. And he knew he could get away with the kind of contact today's defensive backs only dream about.
"You could bump'em and push'em and do things," Butler said. "You could grab onto his jersey so he doesn't get far from you. You could hold on a little bit. Now they're all over you. It's hard to do anything today."
There was no method exactly to Butler's success. He was smart, sure. And he could tell by a receiver's footwork where he was heading. Yet Butler says most of the credit should go to a work ethic and a little bit of naivety. He didn't know what he was doing when the Steelers signed him to a $4,000 contract in 1951.
"I must've been given some talents," he said. "Whatever talents I had, I worked like hell to improve what I had."
WILL GRAVES, AP Sports Writer
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Memories and Condolences
for Jack Butler
47 Entries
Gloria Kenney Hood
April 7, 2025
As a child, around six years of age, I used to go play in the leaves, at his home on Dallett Road.
His beautiful Mom, with her white hair used to bring his Sister Jeanne, out to watch me play, while confined to a wheelchair. Jack would smile and watch me mess up his leaves, that he probably just raked. He was kind, very sweet, and used to joke that he was going to marry me, when I grew up. His family was kind, warm and friendly. I didn´t know anything about football, but he left me a wonderful childhood memory, that has always stayed with me.
Gloria Kenney Hood
Kevin D'Angelo
April 30, 2024
I didn't know Jack personally, but worked with his sons, John and Mike and daughter Bernie. I give Jack and his family all my prayers for they are an outstanding family.
May 14, 2020
God is a God of all Comfort and he will Comfort the family's..My heartfelt condolences to the family's..
Deborah Ellis
May 11, 2017
To the families and friends of Jack Butler. I do not know the families personally but we all lose love ones in death. I do know my son-in-law is a great fan. I just want to send my deepest condolences to the families. May God give all of you comfort and peace at this difficult time. We all lose wonderful people's in our life time. You do not have to know a person, to have a careing attitude. May God give all of you comfort and peace at this difficult time.
Warren Lutzel
May 27, 2013
How well I remember you Jack catching balls from Ted Marchibroda in the quad between classes at St Bonnies and then on Saturdays at Forness Stadium. You will not be forgotten,
May 20, 2013
May you find comfort in your memories of times shared together, May you find peace in the thought that we will all be together again someday and that love never dies, it just changes form. May God bless you all.
Norma Allen
May 20, 2013
To Tim Butler and family,
May the memories of your loved one live on forever in your hearts.
With deepest sympathy.
DAVE ROGERS
May 18, 2013
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
DAVE ROGERS (BONAS '57)
May 18, 2013
I remember watching Jack when I was going to St Bonnies for summer school and the Stellers had there camp. What a great person and I remember one of a night that I stayed a little at the Burton and put my car in the ditch in front of Robinson - Falconio Hall and Jack some of the other Stellers lifted it out of the ditch for me. A great person who willed be missed by his family, friends and people who knew him. God Bless you Jack.
Tina Morgan
May 17, 2013
With deepest sympathies to your family during this time of grief Psalms46:1 says that God is a refuge and a strength that is to be found. may you turn to God the hearer a prayer who will fulfill all his promise to get rid of death forever. Tina Los Angeles
Grady Youngblood
May 17, 2013
Jack Butler is the Greatest Player in the
NFL History.
Linda Marzec
May 15, 2013
Mariann,
I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I know how close you were to him. What a wonder person he was and I know how much he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. God Bless.
May 14, 2013
so sorry for your grief,may you be consoled by the Comforter,the Originator of peace and comfort.He is opening his hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing.pslm.145:16.....dee
Brandi
May 14, 2013
Dear butler family,
I'm sorry to hear about your loss. Soon God will bring Mr. Butler back to life. John 5:28 explains
Eg
May 14, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
May 14, 2013
Dear Butler Family-
We are deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Jack. He was a great man that will be truly missed. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Joe and Ellen McCarthy
Mary Conner Goldbach,SHS '63
May 13, 2013
Fr. Tom (Aidan) and the Butler family,
Please accept my sincere condolences at the loss of Mr. Jack Butler. I guess I pretty much grew up hearing the name and learning about football "back in the day" from Fr Aidan. I recognized the name as soon as I saw the Hall of Fame story a while back on our local "rag". Thanks to "The Lancer", I read the sports page regularly....that and the Fighting Irish.
God bless you all and eternal rest grant unto him O Lord....and may he rest in peace.
May 13, 2013
Jack Butler was a great man. I owe him everything for the chance he gave me becoming a scout. He defined conviction and family. Jeff Shiver
May 13, 2013
To the entire Butler family, we would like to extend our sincere condolences on the loss husband, father, grandfather. May you find comfort in each other and the wonderful memories of a man who made an impact in this world. RIP Mr. Jack Butler # 268
Niagara University
Class of 1985
Reed
May 13, 2013
I am very sorry to read about Mr Jack Butler passing, may God bless the family at this time of deep sorrow.
Tim Vaught
May 13, 2013
Sorry four the loss good man he was.
May 13, 2013
Dear Butler Family,
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Jack on Saturday. I had met him several times over the years when I was with my husband George Saimes. Jack was always very nice to me. George had such respect for Jack and considered him a good friend. He was so very pleased when Jack was inducted into the Hall of Fame last summer. It was an honor for George to be able to be there and he went to great lengths to make sure he was.
These two great men are now up in heaven talking football and no more pain for either of them.
My memories sustain you along with your family and friends.
Betsy Saimes
Bankston
May 13, 2013
We offer our condolences to the Butler family.Cherish your fond memories.God promises to swallow up death forever-Isaish 25:8.
May 13, 2013
My sincere condolences to the family at this difficult time. May you find comfort in the promise that soon death will be no more... and never again will we have to bury our love ones again. (Rev.12:3,4)
With Deep Sympathy
Linda
May 13, 2013
With deepest sympathy for your lost.
May God's gentle peace fill your heart and comfort your soul today and
in the days to come, I am so very sorry for your loss. As you cherish
fond memories also know that God is with you and will provide peace
and hope in the days ahead.
Monica Marks
May 12, 2013
Kathy:
Paul and I are so sorry for your loss...I did not know your dad, but many have said he was nice, genuine and a good guy. Someone said to me when my dad passed to honor the dead through your great memories...remember all the fun times and jokes when growing up and the adult conversations you hold dear. Savor those moments and know he is not in the pain he endured for a long time.
JILL AND BRANDON WELSH
May 12, 2013
MRS. BUTLER AND FAMILY,
I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. MR. BUTLER WAS A GREAT MAN AND OUR "HOMETOWN HERO". I WILL NEVER FORGET THE SMILE ON HIS FACE IN CANTON. I AM SO GLAD WE MADE THE TRIP TO THE HOF TO SHARE IN HIS DAY! ALL OF YOU ARE IN MY PRAYERS DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME. THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES MR. BUTLER....I WILL WEAR YOUR JERSEY PROUDLY!
Thank you Jack USA Sports Venue-Attitude
Victoria&Andreas VZj
May 12, 2013
Our condolences to
Jack Butler/Family-relatives
Thank you for the Classic'Sports Venue
Of finding out Sports is (Fun&loved)
By Greatness of UniQue
((Admired inspired caring Atmosphere))
As Mr.Jack will be in thought rip Jack
Missi F
May 12, 2013
Tim and Family,
I am sorry for your great loss. Growing up across the street from you all was alot of fun when I wasn't getting yelled at for being a brat. Your dad was such a kind man & you are all in my thoughts & prayers. I hope you find comfort in knowing how special he was & he no longer suffers. Take care & God bless
Kenneth Pegher
May 12, 2013
We would like to express our sincere condolences to the entire Butler family. His accomplishments far exceed the gridiron. Godspeed.
Ken and Debbie Pegher
May 12, 2013
to the family,may you have God's mercy and peace.He has said "happy are the mericiful,since they will be shown mercy."..matt.5:7....gee
May 12, 2013
A great football corner back for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Everyone in my family said you were one cool dude too.
Louis Fix
May 12, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the entire Butler family. Another member,of our Steeler family,has passed on to the ultimate hall of fame---Heaven. Jack will join his Steeler brothers and shine down on the Steeler Nation.R.I.P Jack----from a displaced Pittsburgher.
May 12, 2013
Sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the Hearer of prayer during this time. Psalm 65:2
vicki and harry
May 12, 2013
I know that you are in heaven playing football with the ranger and with webby and with so many of the steelers who went there before you.thank you for being a humble man.god bless your family.
Susie Morrissey-Holgerson
May 12, 2013
Mrs. Butler, Kathy and Family: You all have my most deepest sympathy in the loss of a great and loving father and husband. I'm so happy he finally got his ring and his place in the Hall of Fame which he so deserved. May GOD bless you all at this difficult time and may you all find peace. RIP Mr. Butler.
Bob Friday
May 11, 2013
My sympathy and prayers to jack's family and friends. A great loss, but a happy realization that he is at peace --no more pain. A truly good human being has left us, but not before showing what goodness looks like. Rest in peace. Bob Friday
Karen Newman
May 11, 2013
I feel priviledged to have known you. I enjoyed cooking for you at the restaurant. You will be missed. RIP.
May 11, 2013
My deepest sympathy to the Butler family. Jack was not only a Hall of Fame football player, but also a great family man and a fine person.
Terry Kushner
Bob Flaherty
May 11, 2013
Your father was a fine, humble man who was very proud of you all. You are in our thoughts and prayers. With deep sympathy.
Kimtraila Williams
May 11, 2013
7:55PM
5/11/2013
To Mr. Jack Butler family,
?My heart goes out to you in your time of sorrow
?I was deeply saddened by your loss
?May God provide you enough strength to face these difficult times, although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer
?I am sorry for your loss, words are not enough to express the grief we feel at the moment
Let President Barack Obama know through his email,fax,letter,phone, visit that Kimtraila has said her last respects to Jack Butler.
Thanks,
Kimtraila Williams
May 11, 2013
My deep sympathy to family. John 5:28
Dwayne Bickham
May 11, 2013
rest in peace in God's care.
Harry Simpson
May 11, 2013
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
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