The game on Sunday night was a tough one to swallow. I’ve moved on, as there is a lot of to be thankful for this year with the Green Bay Packers. The culture has changed, free agents were brought in, and the team will be back in the playoffs. As we gear up for this season’s playoffs, I want to congratulate one of my favorite Packers of all-time, LeRoy Butler, on being a named a semi-finalist for the Hall of Fame.
Butler has been named one of 25 modern-era semi-finalists for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2020. This is the third consecutive year that Butler has been named a semi-finalist. Currently, you can hear Butler on Sportsradio 105.7FM The Fan out of Milwaukee.
Butler is synonymous with the Lambeau Leap, as he was the originator of it. Who can forget Reggie White, scooping up a fumble, running towards the end zone, and then tossing it back to Butler along the sideline, who took it to the house and leaped into the open arms of Packers fans. It’s a tradition that is still carried on this day.
Butler revolutionized the safety position. He was a leader on the defensive side of the football and a centerpiece to Fritz Shurmur’s defense during the Packers’ Super Bowl run in 1996. Shurmur could play Butler anywhere on the field. Opposing offensive coordinators would scheme against Butler, to try and neutralize him to have success against Green Bay.
During his 12 seasons in Green Bay, Butler was a four-time all-pro safety, and had a career 38 interceptions and 20.5 sacks.
He also has the distinction of being the only player from the 1990s All-Decade team that has yet to be named a finalist for enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
So what’s next? In January, the list of 25 semi-finalists will be cut down to 15 finalists. The Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee will cast its final votes on the day before Super Bowl LIV. The Hall of Fame is celebrating the NFL’s 100th Season with a special 20-member induction class in 2020. It will still only include 5 members from the modern-era.
It’s now time for LeRoy Butler to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Congratulations LeRoy Butler! Go Pack Go!
Anthony Haag is a writer for PackersTalk.com. He has been a Packers fan since the day he was born and truly bleeds green and gold. He makes annual visits to Lambeau Field and has attended his fair share of games. You can follow Anthony on Twitter at @anthony_haag
