Jax native Butler falls short in bid to make Pro Football Hall of Fame

Lee High graduate and former Green Bay Packers safety LeRoy Butler, one of 15 finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, received a phone call Tuesday night from organization president David Baker that he fell short of the necessary votes for induction into Canton.

The 48 voters met virtually via Zoom call last week, making the cut from 15 to 10, then after making the cut to five finalists, those players were voted up or down for entry into the Hall of Fame. To keep who made the HOF a secret until February 6 -- the day before the Super Bowl when the official announcement is made -- voters were asked to vote up or down for HOF entry on 10 finalists, not knowing which players actually made the cut to five. The vote will be made public as part of the nationally-televised NFL Honors program.

In past years, all 15 finalists were informed of their fate shortly after the vote, which typically takes place the day before the Super Bowl. Due to COVID-19, the HOF selection committee met last week, giving Baker time to inform those who didn’t make the cut via phone call and making personal on-site visits to the five who make the HOF.

“I’ve never been too disappointed for getting that phone call [about not making the Hall of Fame],” said Butler, a finalist for the second consecutive year. “I only try to make the conversation easier for Mr. Baker because that can be painful for him because he wants everybody to get in.

“I’m a level-headed guy. I enjoy the process [of HOF voting]. I knew my first year was a long shot. The conversation was a little longer this time. It was almost like I was talking to an uncle. He said, ‘Unfortunately, you didn’t make it. But the process is swinging in your favor. Don’t get discouraged.’ I told him, ‘God is good.’ That’s my slogan.”

Butler, a four-time, All-Pro player in 12 seasons (1990-2001) with the Packers, was the NFL’s first 20-20 player, achieving at least 20 sacks (20.5) and 20 interceptions (38) in his career. Along with quarterback Brett Favre and pass-rusher Reggie White, he was considered Green Bay’s most impactful player on back-to-back Super Bowl teams, including the championship team that beat the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI.

With two first-time eligible players in quarterback Peyton Manning and cornerback Charles Woodson expected to be locks for induction, and receiver Calvin Johnson a near-lock, that leaves only two or three spots available for 12 other candidates. That list includes former Jaguars offensive tackle Tony Boselli, a finalist for the fifth straight year, who made the cut to the final 10 last year.

Other candidates many believe will have strong cases are safety John Lynch, a finalist for eight consecutive years, and guard Alan Faneca, now in his sixth straight year as a finalist. If Lynch makes the HOF, it would likely strengthen Butler’s case as safeties have been getting into Canton on a more regular basis in recent years after long being the toughest position to gain entry. Butler is the only member of the 1990s All-Decade first team to not make the Hall of Fame after fellow safety Steve Atwater got in last year.

“My goal this year was to get to 10 [and make the first cut],” said Butler. “I didn’t want to say that before. If I make it to 10, I know I’m going to be a Hall of Famer one day.”

While Butler was not told whether he made that cut, he remains uplifted that his case for the Hall of Fame is being heard by the voters, no matter how long it might take to gain entry. He first became eligible for the Hall in 2007 and didn’t make the semifinals (top 25) until 2018.

“My feeling is just be grateful you’re even being discussed,” said Butler. “I’m genuinely happy for the guys who get in and will congratulate them. There isn’t one negative thing about this for me.”

Butler, employed as part of an afternoon drive time sports-talk show in Milwaukee, added he’s rooting hard for his good friend, Boselli, to punch his ticket into Canton.

“I told Mr. Baker as we were getting off the phone, I hope Tony got in,” said Butler. “I want Tony to get in. That’s my brother. I love Tony. I love his wife [Angi], too. He’s been waiting five years as a finalist. If Tony gets in, I’d want to fly down to Jacksonville just to hug him, even though I know we can’t do that right now.”

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