 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Jerry Butler |
| That season, that game, that catch, launched the Clemson program on a 20-year run that saw Clemson return to the national rankings, bowl selections, ACC Championships, and a National Championship. Many Tiger supporters wonder how fate would have dealt the Clemson program had Butler not made that catch. Given these heroics at Clemson, Butler was taken as the number-five selection of the entire 1979 NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills. That is still the second highest draft choice by a Clemson player in history, only a number three selection of Banks McFadden in 1939 is higher. Unlike his first season at Clemson, Butler did not sneak up on anyone. He had dreamed of playing in the NFL and wasted little time, signing a contract just six days after the draft, the first first-round draft pick to sign that year. Butler made Buffalo's front office look smart, as he set NFL rookie records for touchdown receptions (4) and reception yardage (255) in a 1979 contest against the New York Jets. "That was the best single game performance I've ever seen from a wide receiver," said NBC broadcaster and former NFL quarterback John Brodie. "I played the game for 16 years, but I've never seen anything like that." Butler ended his rookie year with 48 receptions for 834 yards and four scores and was named the AFC Rookie of the Year by the Sporting News. The following year he increased his reception total to 57 for 832 yards and was named to the Pro Bowl. By the end of his nine-year career with Buffalo, Butler had 278 catches for 4301 yards and 29 touchdowns. He missed two seasons due to knee injuries, 32 games that certainly could have enhanced his career numbers. After his years at Clemson, Butler took community service to another level at the professional level. In 1981 and 1982 he was named the Bills NFL Man of the Year. He was one of five finalists for the award nationally in 1981. In 1983 he was honored with the "Jackie Robinson Award" for community service by the YMCA of Greater Buffalo. In 1986 he was a finalist for the Byron "Whizzer" White Award for outstanding community service from the NFL Players Association. In 1987 he received the "Salute to Young Leaders Award from the YMCA of Greater Buffalo Area. Two years after he retired he was honored with the Ralph C. Wilson Distinguished Service Award. Upon completion of his career in 1987. Butler became Director of Player/Alumni Relations for the Bills, a position he held until 1999 when he became assistant coach with the Cleveland Browns. |
 |
| Source: 2000 Clemson Football Media Guide |
| Clemson Ring of Honor, 1999. State of South Carolina Hall of Fame. First-team All-ACC, 1977 and 1978. Set Clemson record for consecutive games with a catch (35). First-team AP All-American, 1978. Ranked 10th in the nation in receptions in 1978. Co-recipient of 1979 Frank Howard Award. Drafted #5 in 1979 NFL Draft, highest selection by a Tiger since 1939. Still Holds Clemson record for reception yardage in a game (163). Still ranks third in Clemson history in career receptions and reception yardage. Inducted into Clemson Hall of Fame in 1986. Ranked 4th greatest Clemson Football Player of the 20th Century by panel of experts. |