Gary Butler of the Pittsburgh Power Making His Mark in the AFL
April 6, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Pittsburgh Power News Release
While Pittsburgh area football fans have known of Gary Butler for years, many are enjoying their first exposure to the starting Pittsburgh Power Mac Linebacker. As a Linebacker at perennial NCAA Division 2 powerhouse, California University of Pennsylvania, Butler was a team leader on defense for Cal teams whom made post season runs in consecutive years, reaching the semi finals in both 2007 and 2008. Butler's play earned him the honor of Western PSAC Defensive Player of the year in 2007 and he was signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008. He played in the Canadian Football League with the B.C. Lions in 2009, making his largest impact on special teams coverage and as a backup Linebacker and Defensive End.
His leadership is evident again with the Pittsburgh Power and appreciated by Head Coach Chris Siegfried. "Gary is definitely a leader on our defense. He's the type of guy who brings it every day, in practice and in games, and takes no part of the game for granted". "At 240 pounds, he's not the biggest Mac Linebacker in the league but he has had great success making the plays, not only in his area, but sideline to sideline, often beating bigger players". This aggressive big play capability, and his blue collar work ethic, including staying on the field in most special teams situations, has also made him a fan favorite as evidenced by the long lines to meet him and get his autographs at the meet and greets on the field at the conclusion of each of the Pittsburgh Power home games. Most memorable however is his innate ability to make momentum, or even game changing plays, week after week.
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