Tag: Dave Butz

Commanders season opener in 65 days: Washington’s best No. 65

Dave Butz is unquestionably the greatest No. 65 in Washington history.

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Commanders Wire continues a countdown to the Commanders season opener for 2023 in 65 days. Who was Washington’s best player wearing number 65?

Would you believe only four players have worn No. 65 in Washington NFL history? You ask, “How can that be?” Well, for one thing, two players wore the jersey for a total of 25 seasons, and the jersey number has not been assigned to a player for the last 34 seasons. So here goes.

Vince Promuto (1960-70) was drafted 48th overall in the 1960 NFL draft by Washington. The guard out of tiny Holy Cross immediately proved to be worthy of such a high selection. An instant starter, Promuto was twice a Pro Bowler (1963, 1964). Reliable and dependable, Promuto however was limited to four games in the 1968 season and three games in the 1970 season, which subsequently became his last NFL season.

Dave Butz (1975-88) was drafted 5th overall by the St Louis Cardinals in 1973. But after only two seasons, Butz fled St Louis and was signed by Washington coach / GM George Allen.

Butz fit in with Washington, pairing with Diron Talbert for a very capable pair of starting defensive tackles. Butz was not only an anchor against the run, he was also very dependable, missing only three games from 1978-1986. He finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 1983 and was voted to the 1980’s All-Decade team. He is in the Washington Ring of Honor. He was a starter for 3 Super Bowl Teams and 2 Super Bowl championship teams. He finished his career with 64 sacks. Butz and Darryl Grant from 1981-88 formed perhaps the greatest defensive tackle duo against the run in Washington history.

PHOTOS: The top images from the Commanders’ Week 9 loss to the Vikings

We look back at some of the best images from Washington’s Week 9 game against the Vikings.

The Washington Commanders were close to winning their fourth straight game Sunday, but things unraveled in the fourth quarter of a 20-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

FedEx Field was rocking throughout the game in the first contest after it was reported that owner Daniel Snyder could be selling the franchise. Washington’s defense was outstanding yet again, as defensive linemen Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen and Montez Sweat took turns making life miserable for Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Unfortunately for the Commanders, a critical interception and some costly penalties in the fourth quarter doomed them.

Yet, the atmosphere at FedEx Field was a positive one for the home team Sunday. Sure, there were several Minnesota fans, but Washington players could see the potential of a full FedEx Field, united and supporting the home team.

At one point during the game, Washington honored the legendary Dave Butz. Butz passed away last week at 72. One of the best defensive linemen in team history, Butz was a former All-Pro, two-time Super Bowl champion and spent 14 seasons in the burgundy and gold.

Now, we look back at some of the top images from Sunday’s game between the Commanders and the Vikings.

PHOTOS: Some of the top images from Dave Butz’s NFL career

We look back at some of the top images from Dave Butz’s legendary career.

It’s been a sad year for fans of the Washington NFL franchise. Over the past 12 months, Sam Huff, Charley Taylor, Brig Owens, Dwayne Haskins and Joe Patton passed away.

Sadly, on Friday, another franchise icon died. Dave Butz, who spent 14 of his 16 NFL seasons in Washington, died at the age of 72.

For any of the fans who had the pleasure of remembering Washington’s glory years, Butz is remembered fondly. Butz’s size and helmet are the first things you noticed when seeing him, but when the game began, Butz, along with Dexter Manley, Charles Mann and Darryl Grant would dominate the opposing offense.

As we remember Butz, let’s take a look back at some of the top images from his NFL career.

Legendary Washington defensive lineman Dave Butz dies at 72

Dave Butz is one of the greatest defensive players in franchise history.

Former Washington defensive lineman Dave Butz died Friday. He was 72.

Butz came to Washington in 1975 after spending the first two seasons of his NFL career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Butz would spend the final 14 seasons of his NFL career with the Redskins.

The former No. 5 overall pick in the 1973 NFL draft finished his career with 64 sacks. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion with Washington, first-team All-Pro [1983] and second-team All-Pro [1984]. He was also named to the Pro Bowl in 1984. Butz’s most significant individual accomplishment was being named to the 1980s NFL All-Decade team.

Butz is in the Washington Ring of Fame and is also named as one of the “90 greatest” in franchise history.

Two things stood out immediately when seeing Butz: his size [6-foot-8, 295] and his helmet.

Butz played in 216 career NFL games, and considering the position he played, that’s an amazing accomplishment. He only missed four games during his 16-year NFL career. He retired after the 1988 season when he was 38. He was the oldest position player in the NFL at the time of his retirement.

The Washington Commanders released the following statement on social media.

We’re heartbroken over the loss of Washington Legend Dave Butz, a 2x Super Bowl champion and member of our Ring of Fame and 90 Greatest list. Sending our deepest condolences to Dave’s family and friends.

We’ll have more on the life and career of Dave Butz.