Isiah "Butch" Robertson (August 17, 1949 – December 6, 2018)[1] was an American professional football player who was a linebacker for the Los Angeles Rams (1971–1978) and the Buffalo Bills (1979–1982).

Robertson combined size, strength, quickness, speed, toughness, and a knack for making the game-breaking play.

Isiah Robertson was a middle-linebacker at Southern University, located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he anchored a defense alongside future National Football League great and Hall of Fame member, cornerback Mel Blount.

[3] Robertson was a star of the Senior Bowl which followed the 1970 season, intercepting a pass and returning it 90 yards for the South before being run down from behind by the speedy Northern wide out J. D.

[6] Robertson was the first linebacker and second defensive player taken in the '71 draft, a lottery which featured the selection of quarterbacks Jim Plunkett, Archie Manning, and Dan Pastorini with the first three picks.

[6] The Rams had earlier acquired the draft pick used to select Robertson, touted as "the black Dick Butkus," as part of a multi-player deal made with the Washington Redskins.

[7] The team later used its own first round pick to select University of Florida defensive lineman Jack Youngblood,[8] a player eventually elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

[9] He subsequently took heed and increased his intensity, winning accolades from star teammate Deacon Jones, who called the rookie "the best No.

"[9]In his rookie year, Robertson established himself as one of the NFL's new stars, replacing the departed Jack Pardee as the Rams' starting strongside linebacker.

[11] Robertson was also selected Second-team All-NFL and chosen to the Pro Bowl, played at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.

On Monday Night Football, against the Philadelphia Eagles, Robertson intercepted a pass and ran 76 yards for a touchdown showcasing his great speed.

After he was traded Robertson signed a 4-year $920,000 contract making him among the highest paid NFL linebackers, averaging $230,000 a season.

[12] Robertson died in a three car crash in Van Zandt County, southeast of Dallas, Texas on December 6, 2018, when he lost control of a limousine he was driving and spun out while navigating a curve.

A lawsuit filed by his family stated that Robertson had advanced (Stage 3) chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated hits to the head.

[15] The Professional Football Researchers Association named Robertson to the PFRA Hall of Very Good Class of 2016.