Steeler Nation lost one of their all-time greats this past Saturday when Hall of Fame defensive back Jack Butler passed away at age 85. In what has to be classified as tragic irony, Mr. Butler’s cause of death is being listed as complications from a staph infection in his artificial knee. A knee replacement that became necessary when he suffered a severe injury which ultimately ended his playing career decades earlier.
I wrote about Mr. Butler’s illustrious career as a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers when he was elected to Canton last year. On a personal note, Mr. Butler’s story is one of the fondest memories to come out of my blogging career. I first became aware of Jack Butler when I ran NicePickCowher (back when it was readable). One day, Mr. Butler’s son emailed to ask if I would run a piece on his career as part of their ongoing efforts to bring their father to the attention of the HOF Veteran’s Committee. I’m extremely pleased that he and his family were able to share in his enshrinement before his untimely passing.
Deepest condolences to the Butler family.