Matt Butler Signs With Detroit Lions
September 03, 2008 | Football
Sept. 3, 2008
DETROIT, Mich. - Former Pirate offensive guard Matt Butler has signed a contract with the Detroit Lions, according to an announcement from the organization Sunday. The Salisbury, N.C. native inked a free agent deal with the team and was subsequently assigned to the practice squad.
As the only offensive lineman on the Lions' practice squad, Butler will have the opportunity to learn from current starters Edwin Mulitalo (guard) and Andy McCollum (center), who have a combined 18 years of NFL experience.
A second team All-Conference USA selection by the media in 2007, Butler recorded a line-best 67 knockdowns in a line-best 816 plays from scrimmage, including eight each against No. 5 West Virginia and Marshall. He started every contest as a sophomore, junior and senior and was one of only seven members of the squad to earn the starting nod in each contest of the 2006 season. The senior then closed out his career with five knockdowns in East Carolina's 41-38 win over No. 22 Boise State in the Sheraton Hawai'i Bowl.
Butler was a key entity on the 2007 offensive line that helped fellow senior and current Tennessee Titans running back Chris Johnson produce 1,423 rushing yards, the third-highest single-season total in program history. He also aided Patrick Pinkney in throwing for 406 yards against North Carolina, the second-highest single-game mark in school history.
Butler will wear No. 62 with the team as the regular season opens this week.
