Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Packer Plus
Ex-Packers, teammates thrilled for Butler
Sometime this fall, LeRoy Butler’s name will be added to the 27 Green Bay Packers players that adorn the façade at Lambeau Field.
The former Green Bay hybrid safety — renowned for his play-making ability, versatility, leadership, infectious smile, and synonymous with the Lambeau Leap — was part of the 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame class announced in Los Angeles last Thursday night.
Butler is the third Packer safety to join the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in the last three years, with pure safety Bobby Dillon and cornerback/safety Charles Woodson being inducted in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Former Packers linebacker Dave Robinson, inducted into Canton in 2013, was also in Los Angeles for the Super Bowl and Hall of Fame activities.
“Oh, it’s overdue for LeRoy, he should have already been in the Hall,” Robinson said. “He was a great defensive player, a real impact player. I’m not a gambling man, but if I was, I’d have bet 8-5 he got in this year.”
Robinson said life at the Super Bowl was hectic, and he didn’t get a chance to see Butler (as of Saturday night) to congratulate him in person.
“The new class is kept pretty busy and are separate from the old hall of famers,” Robinson said. “This is their moment. I haven’t been able to talk to LeRoy about what it means to be in Canton yet, but I’ll save that for August. It’s a special honor and he is certainly deserving of a gold jacket.”
Bob Harlan, former Packers president, echoed Robinson’s assessment.
“I’m not surprised — just very pleased LeRoy is finally going in the Hall of Fame,” Harlan said Friday afternoon. “LeRoy has been so patient and acted like such a gentleman during these past few years. I know how much it means to him.
“I have the highest regard for him as an athlete and a person. It was privilege to watch his career. He was such a hard worker, a great teammate in the locker
room. Always smiling and happy, and he’s still like that today. He was as good a player at his position in the league when he played and was such a force on our defense.”
And the Packers, winners of Super Bowl XXXI, had the league’s No. 1 defense in 1996, spearheaded by Reggie White and Butler.
“That was a special year, a special team,” Harlan said. “My only regret is we didn’t win more Super Bowls with that group of players. Everything changed in Green Bay when Ron Wolf arrived and we got Mike Holmgren, Brett (Favre), Reggie, and LeRoy.
“After 29 years, we brought the Lombardi Trophy home back to Green Bay.”
Former Packers defensive end Sean Jones, who was in Los Angeles for the Super Bowl, was caught off guard that Butler’s announcement came on Thursday night.
“I thought it was coming on Saturday night like usual,” said Jones, who did watch the NFL Honors show. “It’s incredible, a great accomplishment. All his teammates are so proud of him.
“I texted LeRoy the next morning. There’s such a demand on his time right now. I’m surprised he could even text me back.”
The former Los Angeles Raider was also pleased to hear former Raiders receiver Cliff Branch make the Hall. “So glad to see Cliff get in — too bad he’s passed,” Jones said. “LeRoy will be able to enjoy this honor the rest of his life.”
Jones said Butler was a playmaker, a unique talent.
“LeRoy is not a Ronnie Lott or a John Lynch,” he said. “I think he and Troy Polamalu are different. Not really a strong safety, not a free safety — they are just that guy. Hard to quantify — the guy who can do it all. Cover, tackle, rush the passer, intercept passes, create fumbles. Just make plays when you need them. That’s why he’s a Hall of Famer.”
Jones said Butler knows that having a bust a Canton is more than just an individual award.
“It’s a team thing, too,” Jones said. “Good to see players from that team and that era get recognized. It’s a reflection of the guys you played with. He made a lot of us better, and we made him better too.”
Jerry Kramer, who waited five decades before his induction, was pleased to see Butler become the 28th Packer selected for Canton. Only the Chicago Bears, with 30, have more HOF members.
“Not surprising the Packers and Bears have the most hall of famers as the oldest franchises in the history of the league,” Kramer said. “LeRoy had a hell of a career in Green Bay. I know LeRoy’s been nominated a number of times and it’s hard to wait, but when you get that call, that knock on the door, it’s all worth it.”
Former Green Bay center Frank Winters said Butler was the consummate teammate.
“I’m excited for him,” said Winters, who was in Los Angeles along with Favre, but did not stay for the game. “LeRoy had a great personality and was not only a leader on defense but the entire team. He was loved by the fans, by everyone.
“He led by example and was just one of those special players who made the big plays for us in the big games — plays that turn games. Sacking (Drew) Bledsoe in the Super Bowl is one I remember. So very intelligent and had great football instincts. Always prepared and just a great teammate who deserves a bust in Canton.”