Introduction to Darius Butler
Darius Butler is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Throughout his ten-year career, he has played for four different teams: the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, and Chicago Bears. He was also named to the Pro Bowl in 2014.
High School and College Career
Butler attended Vero Beach High School and was a letterman in football, basketball, and track. In football, he was an All-State selection.
He then attended the University of Connecticut and played for the Huskies from 2005 to 2008. He started all 39 games for the Huskies and recorded seven interceptions. He was also a first-team All-Big East selection in 2007 and a second-team All-Big East selection in 2008.
New England Patriots (2009-2010)
Butler was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played in all 16 games as a rookie and started 10 of them. He recorded six passes defended and one interception.
In 2010, Butler started the first 11 games of the season before being placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury. He recorded 10 passes defended, one interception, and one forced fumble.
Indianapolis Colts (2011-2013)
Butler signed with the Indianapolis Colts in 2011. He started all 16 games that season and recorded a career-high four interceptions and 15 passes defended. He was also named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
In 2012, Butler started all 16 games and recorded one interception and 10 passes defended. In 2013, he started 14 games and recorded one interception and eight passes defended.
Carolina Panthers (2014)
Butler signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2014. He started all 16 games and recorded two interceptions and nine passes defended.
Chicago Bears (2015-2016)
Butler signed with the Chicago Bears in 2015. He started all 16 games and recorded three interceptions and nine passes defended.
In 2016, Butler started 15 games and recorded one interception and 11 passes defended.
Statistics
Throughout his career, Butler has recorded 20 interceptions, 109 passes defended, four forced fumbles, and 4.0 sacks.
Awards and Accolades
Butler has been named to the Pro Bowl once, in 2011, and was also named an All-Big East selection twice, in 2007 and 2008.
Post-NFL Career
After retiring from the NFL in 2017, Butler joined the staff at the University of Connecticut as a defensive analyst.
Personal Life
Butler is married to his wife, Renee, and they have two children. He is currently a free agent and is living in Connecticut.
Conclusion
Throughout his ten-year career, Darius Butler has played for four different teams: the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Carolina Panthers, and Chicago Bears. He has been named to the Pro Bowl once, in 2011, and was also named an All-Big East selection twice. After retiring from the NFL in 2017, he joined the staff at the University of Connecticut as a defensive analyst. He currently lives in Connecticut with his wife and two children.