The NFL world lost one of its own on Friday. Former defensive lineman Dave Butz, a two-time Super Bowl Champion, passed away. He was 72.
Lost a dear friend today. Dave Butz. Dave Mark Mosley and I used to ride to games together. A true gentle giant. Rest In Peace my friend.
— Joe Theismann (@Theismann7) November 4, 2022
“Lost a dear friend today. Dave Butz,” Washington’s legendary quarterback Joe Theismann tweeted on Friday. “Dave Mark Mosley and I used to ride to games together. A true gentle giant. Rest in Peace my friend.”
Butz played two seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals (now known as the Arizona Cardinals), but most famously played for Washington. Washington acquired him for two first-rounders and a second-rounder in 1975. He then played 14 seasons in D.C., earning a trip to the Pro Bowl in 1983, and won Super Bowls in the 1982 and 1987 seasons. After retirement, Butz earned a place in the Ring of Fame in Washington, was named one of the team’s 80 Greatest Players, and then was named to the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team.
One of his most legendary moments came in October 1987. Despite a stint in the hospital, Butz checked himself out of the hospital and made a game-winning sack on New York Jets quarterback Ken O’Brien.
Butz wasn’t just a terrific player in the NFL, either. At Purdue, Butz played well enough to earn immortality. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014 and was also named to Purdue’s All-Time team. Simply put, he’s one of the best defensive linemen to ever play the game.
The world mourned the passing of Butz on Friday.
All-American, @cfbhall member and one incredible Boilermaker.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Purdue legend Dave Butz. pic.twitter.com/TEElAX9ADS
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) November 4, 2022
Aw man… Dave Butz. LEGEND. Thank you for all the Sundays cheering you on along side my Dad. Your battle scarred helmet is iconic in my memories. Cheers, and Godspeed. 🍻 https://t.co/YKnMM03vSg
— Wes Johnson (@WesJohnsonVoice) November 4, 2022
Sad to hear this. When I was 9 or 10, I was attending a dinner and approached the head table to get an autograph from some other NFL star. Security stopped me, but Dave Butz motioned to the guards to let me in, and he gave me his autograph instead. R.I.P. https://t.co/EsBWmlGCTl
— Louis Jacobson (@loujacobson) November 4, 2022
RIP to the legend Dave Butz, who left it all on the field every game. Nicest and most humble guy I’ve ever known. My Dad and Joe T rode to every game together and he was his roomate throughout career. 😢🙏🏼🧡 pic.twitter.com/Bifolko6td
— Mark Moseley Jr (@MarkMoseley3) November 4, 2022
This is sad news. Big number 65. Had a beat up helmet, took on linemen three at a time and in his spare time whittled small ducks. I remember him carrying his toddler son on his shoulders and kissing his lips repeatedly. RIP Big Fella. https://t.co/idrq4vVLJt
— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) November 4, 2022
RIP Dave Butz. One of the best interior defensive linemen in Redskins history. And the man who had the most iconic helmet in Skins history. #Commanders
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) November 4, 2022
We at NFL Alumni send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of former @Commanders Dave Butz. pic.twitter.com/YwmEnAyC85
— NFL Alumni (@NFLAlumni) November 4, 2022
