NFL legend and a 2-time Superbowl champion, David Butz has kicked the bucket at 72, according to reports from Washington Commanders.
Washington Commanders, the team that Butz played for stated that his family confirmed the news, although they did not state his cause of death.
Butz retired after the 1988 season, is a member of Washington’s Ring of Fame and was chosen as one of the organization’s 90 greatest players earlier this year.
He spent the most of his career with the Washington Commanders after a 2-year spell with St. Louis Cardinals in the 70s.
Washington gave up two first-round picks and a second-rounder to the Cardinals as compensation for signing him.
He was a key part of Washington’s defense for the franchise’s first two Super Bowl-winning teams in the 1982 and 1987 seasons.
The team said that they were heartbroken over his death as he was full of life.
Butz recorded 64 sacks in 216 regular-season games with St. Louis and Washington. He became a free agent after his second season with the Cardinals due to a mistake in his rookie contract.
David was one of the league’s biggest player during his time, standing at an intimidating 6-foot and weighing a massive 300 pounds.
David was an All-Pro selection in 1983 and finished second in voting for AP Defensive Player of the Year when he started all 16 games for Washington and had 11½ sacks
Former teammate and Washington quarterback Joe Theismann took to his social media to write:
“Lost a dear friend today. Dave Butz. Dave, Mark (Moseley) and I used to ride to games together. A true gentle giant. Rest In Peace my friend.”
Butz is a member of Purdue’s all-time football team. He was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
