Dave Butz
Redskins Defensive Tackle

Dave Butz earned amazing statistics in the National Football League. He was a defensive tackle for the Redskins for sixteen years, missing only 4 games in his entire career and at his retirement was the oldest starting player in the NFL. He is a two time Superbowl champion with one additional Superbowl appearance to his credit. Dave exemplifies the talent and determination required to deliver peak performance under grueling physical conditions.

Dave Butz’ career began with All-Rookie honors and ended, the year before his retirement in May 1989, as a member of The World Champion Team with the Redskins. In three Super Bowls, twice he served as a team captain and contributed to the two victories. An All-Pro, he was voted Defensive Lineman of the Year by the NFL Alumni Association, NFL Team of the Eighties by the Hall of Fame Panel, the George Allen Leadership and Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions on and off the field. From the Official Yearbook of the 1988 World Champion Washington Redskins: "He offered the experience of a 14-year veteran while playing with the heart of a rookie, and he stepped forward and led by example.” Dave Butz retired from professional football in May of 1989. One look at Dave Butz’ 14-year career in the NFL makes it clear; he was born to play football.

At 6'7" and 295 pounds, with a 19-1/2" neck, Butz always captured attention wherever he went. An All-America defensive tackle from Purdue, he caught the eye of the St. Louis Cardinals, who drafted him in 1973, and he made himself visible enough to NFL official observers to land on that year's NFL All-Rookie team.

In 1974 an ensuing contract dispute, with his option played out, Butz signed with the Redskins in 1975. The league later decided that the Washington Redskins had to give the Cardinals two first-round and one second-round draft choices for Butz, in what was one of the largest compensation deals in NFL history.

Fourteen years later, having watched Butz, "The Master of Intimidation," disassemble offenses, pulverize running backs, terrorize quarterbacks, and display a seemingly endless endurance on the Washington Redskin's front line, most Redskins fans agree he was easily worth the compensation. George Allen loved him for his unsparing devotion to the game of defensive football. Joe Gibbs respected him for his total concentration, dedication, and durability.

In his off-season time, Butz’ work usually involved one or more aspects of marketing or public relations. He was president of TH 400 Inc., and served in numerous roles with Magna Bank, Madison Bank, and the Potomac Electric Power Company. Dave was spokesperson for UTA Snack Foods and Winchester. He starred in numerous commercials and made personal charity fund raising appearances.

Today, Dave is active in community service; he encourages and supports a wide spectrum of civic, social, educational, health-related, and religious activities, many directed to benefit the young. He is an active member of the Board of Directors for the National Rifle Association (NRA) as well as an outside consultant for them. Dave continues to be active on the speaking circuit.