Tony Butkovich

Anthony J. Butkovich (April 4, 1921 – April 18, 1945) was a Croatian American football player who was a fullback at the University of Illinois and spent his last year at Purdue. He was drafted by the Cleveland Rams in the first round of the 1944 NFL draft.

Instead of going to the Rams he enlisted in the US Marines and fought in World War II. While serving as a Marine in the 6th Division on Guadalcanal he participated in the Mosquito Bowl.

Purdue career He led the nation in rushing in 1943; 833 yards, 142 carries (5.9 average), scoring 16 touchdowns (still tied for a Purdue single season record) and led the Boilermakers to a record of 9–0 and a share of the Big Ten Title. The Boilermakers finished the season as the No. 4 team in the nation. In conference play alone, he led the conference in rushing (629 yards over 95 carries) and scoring (13 touchdowns, 78 points); despite only playing 4 conference games as he was transferred by the Marines before the Minnesota game.

He was selected All-American by the Associated Press (AP), International News Service, The Sporting News, United Press International (UPI) and Stars and Stripes; he was also First Team, All-Conference.

Statistics Source:

YearTeamRushing Att Yards Avg Yards/G TD 1941 Illinois -- -- -- -- -- 1942 Illinois 60 174 2.9 34.8 -- 1943 Purdue 142 833 5.9 92.6 16Totals 202 1,007 4.9 71.9 16

Personal life He was a native of St. David, Illinois and graduated from Lewistown High School in Lewistown, Illinois.

He was killed in action by sniper fire at Okinawa. Coincidentally, fellow #11 overall NFL draft pick Dave Schreiner (from the year prior) died from sniper fire at Okinawa several months later.