Dave Butz, a big defensive tackle in the NFL for 16 seasons, died at 72. Butz was a player in the NFL when he debuted as the pick in the 1973 NFL draught, and he had a massive influence throughout his NFL career. Butz and his agent staged a holdout throughout camp before eventually accepting a highly unorthodox rookie contract structured as a succession of one-year contracts.
Dave Butz Died:
Dave Butz, an All-Pro defensive lineman and two-time Super Bowl champion for the Washington Redskins, has died. He was 72. Butz’s family told the Washington Commanders of his death on Friday, according to a representative for the team. Butz’s death location and cause of death were not immediately revealed. Butz spent 16 NFL seasons with the Washington Redskins after beginning his career with the St. Louis Cardinals (1973 and 1974).
The career of Dave Butz:
Butz suffered a season-ending knee injury after playing well as a rookie. As a result of the odd rookie contract, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle declared in 1975 that Butz was a free agent and would have to provide fair compensation to the Cardinals. Butz eventually agreed to terms with Washington. Rozelle determined that appropriate compensation for a player of Butz’s calibre was two first-round picks, so that’s what Washington was forced to pay to St. Louis. Butz became the focal point of Washington’s defensive line for years to come.
Tributes Paid to Dave Butz’s Death:
Joe Theismann, a former teammate and Washington quarterback, posted: “Today, I lost a close buddy. Butz, Dave, I used to bike to games with Dave, Mark [Moseley], and others. A genuine gentle giant. My buddy, may you rest in peace.” Butz had 64 sacks in regular-season games with the St. Louis Rams and the Washington Redskins. Due to a miscalculation in his rookie contract. In exchange for signing him, Washington gave the Cardinals two first-round picks and a second-round pick. For his performance throughout the 1980s, he was named to the Football Fame’s second-team all-decade team. Butz is a member of the Purdue football all-time team.
Famous Moments of Dave Butz’s Career:
Butz’s most memorable event occurred on a Sunday in 1987, when he was hospitalised but checked himself to play in Washington’s game, secured the win with a sack of Jets, and then returned to the hospital. When asked about Butz’s retirement, longtime Washington coach Joe Gibbs stated, “When I think of him, all the amazing plays he’s made for us over the years.” “I recall him being released from the hospital two years ago to play.” He made one of the game’s most important plays and then checked back into the hospital.”
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