The Steelers have issued various statements in the wake of the passing of Hall of Fame defensive back Jack Butler, who followed his playing career with decades working as a scout.
“Jack was a tremendous player who ranked among the best in league history with his 52 interceptions while only playing in 12 games a year,” team chairman Dan Rooney said in a statement released by the team. “He was a versatile player who was also used as a wide receiver, but his career ended unfortunately too soon with a bad knee injury. He was an excellent person both on and off the field, and he played an integral role in the BLESTO scouting program and our entire draft process before his retirement. His family was very close to the entire Rooney family, and he will be missed. Our condolences are with his family through this very tough time.”
“Jack Butler was one of the all-time great Steelers,” team president Art Rooney II said. “He devoted his entire life to the NFL and made contributions to many teams and many players through his work with BLESTO and player personnel matters.”
“Jack was a great person and great friend who always placed his faith and family first,” Steelers G.M. Kevin Colbert said. “Beyond his great play on the field, he was a legendary personnel man who helped so many of us get established in our scouting careers. He will be missed, but never forgotten.”
It’s a fitting tribute to a man who spent most of his life trying to make the Steelers a better team.