Dave Butz is a former American football defensive tackle who played for the Washington Redskins and the St. Louis Cardinals during his career. He was born on June 23, 1950, in Lafayette, Indiana, and attended Purdue University, where he played college football for the Purdue Boilermakers.
Butz was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft, and he played for the team for four seasons before being traded to the Washington Redskins in 1978. He played for the Redskins for the remainder of his career, retiring after the 1988 season.
During his career, Butz was known for his size and strength, standing at 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighing over 300 pounds. He was a dominant force on the defensive line, using his size and strength to disrupt opposing offenses and make tackles.
Butz was a key player on the Redskins' defense during their Super Bowl XVII and Super Bowl XXII victories, and he was named to the Pro Bowl twice during his career. He was also a two-time All-Pro selection and was named to the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.
Off the field, Butz was known for his charitable work and community involvement. He was a member of the Redskins' "Hogs" offensive line fan club, and he was involved in numerous charitable organizations throughout his career.
After retiring from football, Butz remained involved in the sport as a coach and mentor. He worked as a defensive line coach for the San Diego Chargers and the University of Virginia, and he also served as a mentor to young players through the NFL's Player Development Program.
Overall, Dave Butz was a dominant force on the football field during his career, and he remains a beloved figure among Redskins fans to this day. His size, strength, and skill made him one of the most feared defensive linemen of his era, and his contributions to the sport both on and off the field have left a lasting legacy.
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