Butler was an undrafted free agent whom the Pittsburgh Steelers brought onto their roster in 1951 based on a recommendation that Art Rooney Sr. received from his brother Silas Rooney, who was a priest serving as athletic director at St. Bonaventure University.

It was late in the game and Butler had caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Jim Finks.

Following his playing career, Butler spent 46 years with the BLESTO Scouting Combine (44 as its director).

He was named as a senior nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame for 2012 and was elected as a member on February 4, 2012.

He was admitted for a staph infection around his artificial knee, a problem that almost killed him in 1959 and recurred every five to seven years since.