Josh Butler (American football)

Josh Butler
No. 31 – Dallas Cowboys
Position:Cornerback
Personal information
Born: (1996-11-25) November 25, 1996 (age 27)
Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:182 lb (83 kg)
Career information
High school:West Mesquite (TX)
College:Michigan State (2015–2019)
Undrafted:2018
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Roster status:Practice squad
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Josh Butler (born November 25, 1996) is an American professional football cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL).[1] He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans before graduating in 2019. He also has played for the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL).

He is known for his social media presence, garnering 3.2 million followers on TikTok.

Early life

Butler was born on November 25, 1996[1] in Dallas, Texas. He attended West Mesquite High School, starting at cornerback during his final two years. He was ranked as the nation's 241st best prospect and the 26th best cornerback by Rivals.com. Additionally, he saw action as a return specialist and wildcat quarterback.[2]

College career

Butler redshirted his first season at Michigan State. As a redshirt freshman in 2016, he garnered snaps in 11 games, primarily on special teams. As a sophomore in 2017, he started four games and collected 12 tackles. As a junior, he started five games, with 10 tackles and three passes defended. During his senior season in 2018, he started seven games, missing time due to injury. He recorded 25 tackles and 5 pass breakups.[2] During his senior night, Butler went viral for walking the field accompanied by his two dogs: Roxy and Remi.[3] Butler lost both his parents during his time at Michigan State.[4]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 0+5⁄8 in
(1.84 m) 		191 lb
(87 kg) 		32+3⁄4 in
(0.83 m) 		9+3⁄4 in
(0.25 m)		 4.32 s 1.38 s 2.52 s 4.34 s 6.82 s 37.5 in
(0.95 m)		 10 ft 2 in
(3.10 m)		 14 reps
All values from Pro Day[5]

The Spring League

In 2021, Butler played for the Conquers of the developmental The Spring League.[6]

Michigan Panthers

On March 22, 2023, Butler agreed to terms with the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League.[7] Butler started all 11 games, tallying 29 tackles and several passes defended.[6]

Dallas Cowboys

On July 25, 2023, the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League signed Butler to their preseason roster.[6] During the preseason, Butler collected 9 tackles and a tackle-for-loss, while also defending 2 passes in the final preseason game.[8] While he was cut from the 53-man roster, he was later signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad.[9] He signed a reserve/future contract on January 15, 2024.[10]

Butler was waived by the Cowboys on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad.[11][12]

References

  1. ^ a b "Josh Butler - Dallas Cowboys Cornerback". ESPN.
  2. ^ a b "Josh Butler - Football". Michigan State University Athletics. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  3. ^ Swinton, Elizabeth (December 1, 2019). "MSU's Butler Brings Dogs on Senior Night After Parents' Deaths". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved September 2, 2023.
  4. ^ "Josh Butler: Michigan State University Spartans football player whose parents died walks out with dogs on Senior Day - CBS News". www.cbsnews.com. December 3, 2019. Retrieved September 28, 2023.
  5. ^ "2018 NFL Draft Scout Joshua Butler College Football Profile". DraftScout.com. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c Larsen, James (July 25, 2023). "Dallas Cowboys Signing Michigan Panthers DB Josh Butler". USFL Newsroom. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  7. ^ "Panthers Add Two, While Transferring Three to Inactive List". usflnewshub.com. March 24, 2023. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  8. ^ Muldowney, Connor (August 28, 2023). "Michigan State football: Josh Butler making serious push for Cowboys' roster spot". Spartan Avenue. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  9. ^ "Dallas Cowboys Practice Squad Updates: Who Returned and Who Didn't?". August 30, 2023. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  10. ^ Ochoa, RJ (January 15, 2024). "Dallas Cowboys announce 8 players signed to reserve/future contracts". Blogging the Boys. SB Nation. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
  11. ^ Walker, Patrik (August 27, 2024). "2024 Cowboys Roster: Carl Lawson, Kemon Hall, 4 RBs included in roster trimming". DallasCowboys.com.
  12. ^ Walker, Patrik (August 28, 2024). "Carl Lawson, Dalvin Cook headline list of Dallas Cowboys' practice squad signings". DallasCowboys.com.