Bob Butler

Bio

For two seasons, Bob "Butts" Butler was the core of one of the greatest lines in the Big Ten history - certainly the greatest during the Pioneer Era of football. The Badgers of 1912 were considered to be the best team in the Midwest and, many felt, the best in the nation. The proof was never provided, however, for the Wisconsin faculty squelched plans for a showdown between the Badgers and Eastern power Yale. Nevertheless, Wisconsin romped through a seven-game schedule in perfect fashion, logging impressive routs of Northwestern (56-0), Purdue (12-0), Arkansas (64-7) and Minnesota (14-0). Nine members of that 1912 team were named for All-Conference honors, led by top vote-getter Butler. "Butts" was also afforded All-America recognition that year, the first Wisconsin player to be so honored. Butler was a bruising lineman, masterful at delivering the low, driving block or the flying tackle. He was a 60-minute player throughout his career, and although Wisconsin's record slipped to 3-3-1 in 1913, Butler continued to stand far above his peers. He was considered one of the most outstanding lineman of those early post-1900 years.

Career Highlights

• 1913 All-Conference
• 1913 Second Team All-America
• 1912 All-Conference
• 1912 Consensus All-America