Keith Butler joined the Seahawks as a second round pick out of what was then known as Memphis State University, and in an odd coincidence, he was the second Keith out of Memphis State selected by Seattle in that draft following first-round pick Keith Simpson. Both Keiths enjoyed lengthy careers in Seattle, but it was Butler who became the defensive standout, establishing himself as one of the top linebackers in team history.
Butler spent his entire 10-year career with the Seahawks, starting 132 games at linebacker while helping the team grow from new franchise in the 70s to a playoff team in the 80s. Butler retired as the team’s all-time tackles leader with 813, and he now ranks fourth on that list having been passed by Bobby Wagner, Eugene Robinson and K.J. Wright.
Butler was sometimes overshadowed by standout defensive teammates like Kenny Easley and Jacob Green when it came to accolades and fame, but he played a vital role in anchoring the front-seven of those 1980s defenses that helped the Seahawks rise to prominence under Chuck Knox. He also displayed the football intelligence and instincts that later helped him enjoy a long coaching career that included 19 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers as a linebacker, coach and later as their defensive coordinator. In his seven seasons as defensive coordinator, the Steelers led the league in sacks or were tied for the league lead for five straight seasons from 2016-2020, and they finished in the top 10 in both points allowed and yards allowed four times.
“He really became the vocal leader of that defense,” said Seattle Times Seahawks beat reporter Bob Condotta said. “As his coaching career showed, that was one of the things people always talked about was just how smart Keith Butler was on the field and how he was always able to sniff out the play. He was the lunchpail guy. Those Chuck Knox defenses were known for the big plays made in the secondary, Kenny Easley, Dave Brown and all the interceptions they had, but Keith Butler was the leader of that front-seven.”
