Bill Butler

William Edward Butler (August 12, 1950 – January 23, 2018) was an American professional football running back who played three seasons with the New Orleans Saints of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Kansas State and was selected by the Saints in the fifth round of the 1972 NFL draft.

Early life and college William Edward Butler was born on August 12, 1950, in Leaksville, North Carolina. He attended Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida. In 1970, Butler recorded 127 carries for 497 yards and two touchdowns, and 12 receptions for 53 yards and one touchdown. Butler graduated from Kansas State in June 1973.

Professional career Butler was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round, with the 111th overall pick, of the 1972 NFL draft.

On July 6, 1975, Butler was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals for an undisclosed draft pick, with the Saints stating he was traded because the team had too many running backs. On August 1, 1975, Butler announced his retirement from the NFL, citing a deteriorating hip bone.

Personal life After his NFL career, Butler worked McCall Pattern Company for 27 years before retiring in 2007. His son, Matt Butler, was a linebacker at Kansas State.

Butler died on January 23, 2018, in Manhattan, Kansas.