John Butler: 1946-2003

By Shawn Krest

Former Bills General Manager John Butler, a key figure in the building of the Bills Super Bowl teams of the early 1990s, died April 11 of complications from lung cancer. Butler was diagnosed with the disease last July. He was 56 years old.

Butler worked for the Bills in various front office roles for 14 years—a quarter of his life—including seven years as GM. Butler was "truly instrumental in building our great teams of the 1990s," said Bills owner Ralph Wilson Jr.

"It’s one of the saddest days in Bills history," said Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly. "He was papa to us. He was just a great man."

Butler grew up in Illinois and served four years in the Marine Corps after high school, including over a year on active duty in Vietnam. "He was a Marine all the way," said Wilson, "a very courageous individual."

After a knee injury ended his college playing career, he spent three years coaching at the University of Evansville. Next he filled a variety of coaching and scouting roles for the USFL’s Chicago Blitz, where he worked with future Bills coach Marv Levy.

Butler began his NFL service with the same team that he ended it with—the San Diego Chargers. He was a Chargers scout for two years before joining the Bills in 1987.

As Director of College Scouting for the Bills, the first draft pick under his watch was Thurman Thomas, kicking off a series of successful draft picks that built the foundation for the Super Bowl teams of 1991-1994. He added wide receiver Don Beebe the following year.

In 1989, Butler was promoted to Director of Player Personnel. In 1993, he was chosen to succeed Bill Polian as the Bills’ General Manager.

Butler’s draft picks during his tenure read as a who’s who of recent Bills history. Each year under his watch, the team added another starter. From 1991-1999, despite never picking higher than 14th due to the team’s success, every Bills first rounder started in the NFL.

Butler’s forays into free agency were just as successful as his picks in the college draft. Butler acquired Bryce Paup who became the defensive MVP. Ted Washington and Sam Gash each went to a pair of Pro Bowls, and linebacker Chris Spielman set a team record for tackles. And, of course, Doug Flutie may be Butler’s best-known pickup.

Butler is survived by his wife Alice and daughter Andrea.

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