Robert Calvin “Bobby” Butler

Robert Calvin “Bobby” Butler (1959- ) was born in Boynton Beach to Emma J. Butler and the Reverend Richard W. Butler. Bobby graduated from Atlantic Community High School, Delray Beach (1977). Butler led the War Eagles to the state championship games in 1976 and 1977 and was the second alumnus from Atlantic High School to go on to the National Football League (NFL).

At Florida State University (FSU), Butler made contributions in both football and track and field. From 1977-1980, he was a defensive back. He ranks seventh on FSU’s career list with eleven interceptions. During Butler’s years as a Seminole, the team was 39-8. They played in three bowl games: the Tangerine Bowl against Texas Tech in 1977, and the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma State in 1980 and 1981. The Associated Press chose Butler as an Honorable Mention for its annual All-American squad in 1979, and for third-team All-American in 1980. The Newspaper Enterprises Association chose him in 1980 as first-team All-American.

Butler’s track and field career at FSU lasted two years. During the 1979-80 season, he participated in the sprint and long jump. The following season he added the relay and helped his team finish third in the NCAA Championship 4 x100-meter relay. In 1987 Bobby Butler was elected into the FSU Hall of Fame.

The Atlanta Falcons selected Butler in the first round (25th overall) of the 1981 NFL Draft, and he played for them his entire career (1981-92). His rookie season was his best, when he intercepted five passes for 86 yards.

One of Butler’s sons, Brenton, plays basketball for Fordham University in New York. Another son, Brice, was rated the third best high school wide receiver in the United States in his senior year and was recruited by the University of Southern California.