He played college football for the Penn State Nittany Lions, earning consensus All-American honors in 1975.

Buttle was a 4-sport letterman in football, basketball, baseball and track and field, and was also a champion oarsman while on the Margate City Beach Patrol, as well as participating in musical theatre.

He stood atop the Penn State career tackles list for over 30 years, until Paul Posluszny surpassed his mark of 343 versus Wisconsin on November 4, 2006.

He was the temporary fill-in host on WABC radio in NYC, in the 10:00 AM – noon slot, until Geraldo Rivera took the chair permanently on Jan. 3, 2012.

Buttle has received numerous honors and awards in recognition of his commitment to the community including National Spokesman for the United Way.