Florida State Football: Top 15 players in program history

10. LeRoy Butler

LeRoy Butler has one of the more heroic stories of former Seminoles on the list. Born pigeon-toed, Butler’s doctors were unsure that he would be able to walk as an adult. After being confined to a wheelchair and leg braces, eventually Butler overcame all odds and had a Super Bowl-winning career in the NFL.

A native of Jacksonville, Fla., Butler was a standout for Corky Rogers at Lee High School. He was signed to the Seminoles in 1986 and became a starter by 1987. From 1987-88, he played safety alongside Deion Sanders making up one of the ‘Noles’ greatest defensive backfields in school history.

As a junior in 1988, Butler compiled 100 tackles from his free safety position in Mickey Andrews’ defense. After Sanders departure for the NFL, Butler was moved to cornerback and continued his prolific career in garnet and gold. In 1989, Butler logged 94 tackles, a sack, and seven interceptions as a senior. Butler was named a consensus NCAA All-American for his senior season and was drafted in the second round by the Green Bay Packers.

As a Packer, Butler won Super Bowl XXXI over the Patriots and was a four time All Pro and was named to the NFL’s 1990’s All-Decade Team and the Packers Hall of Fame. He finished his career as the first to achieve 20 career sacks and 20 career interceptions. Forever in Green Bay lore, he’s credited with creating the famous Lambeau Leap where players dive into the stands after a touchdown.