It’s a sad day in Steeler Nation, as today the organization lost one of its all-time greats, as Hall of Famer CB Jack Butler passed away at the age of 85.
Butler passed away at UPMC Shadyside Hospital early Saturday. He died from a staph infection, one that actually stopped his career after a knee injury that saw him play nine seasons.
The Post-Gazette reported that he “entered the hospital in November when a lingering staph infection that developed from the knee injury that ended his career in 1959 attacked an artificial knee replacement, his son Mike Butler said. The infection persisted and Butler died about 7:45 a.m., his son said.
“His heart just stopped,” said Mike Butler, who was hired by the Steelers as a scout on Thursday.
“He was completely lucid last night, my sister and brother made him a root beer float and he went to sleep. He never complained, never said anything hurt.”
When he walked away in 1959, he had 52 career interceptions, second-most in the NFL at the time. He made four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams and the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1950s.
Thoughts and prayers go out to the Butler family.
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John Polvere
May 11, 2013 at 11:03 pm
I first heard of Jack Butler in an interview they did with him as part of a steelers history DVD. From there I thought he was humble person that embraced the steeler ways and very appreciative of his life in and around the steeler organisation. As aperson or family man I didn’t know much those that are close to him would know better. I am sure he will never be forgotten not just a player a person and his contributions for who ever he came in to contact with. RIP. Jack. Your fan John.