Tag: Dave Butz (1975-88)

Former Washington linebacker Brad Dusek dies

Looking back at the career of Brad Dusek in Washington.

Former Washington Redskins starting linebacker Brad Dusek has died.

Sadly, the former left outside linebacker had suffered several years from Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Dusek, born on Dec. 13, 1950, died peacefully on June 10, 2024.

Dusek was drafted 56 overall in the 1973 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. Just prior to the season, Dusek was traded to the Redskins. Playing all 14 games of the season on special teams in 1974, Dusek became a starter in the 1975 season. For the next five seasons, Dusek played in and started each and every game for Washington. He appeared in every game during the 1980 season, starting 14 of the 16 regular season games. Dusek started nine of his ten 1981 games, ending his NFL career. The former Texas A&M Aggie recovered three fumbles for Washington that he returned for touchdowns.

Dusek had a real nose for the ball, and his hustle allowed him to recover 16 NFL fumbles. In 1977, Dusek not only intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble, but he also registered 7.0 quarterback sacks (a career high).

One of the more memorable moments I recall of Dusek occurred in the 1978 season opener at New England. The Redskins were a 9.5 point underdog and trailed in the final quarter 14-9, when defensive tackle Dave Butz broke through, made a tackle, forcing a fumble when Dusek picked up the fumble and scored from 31 yards, as Washington won 16-14.

At Texas A&M, Dusek displayed well-rounded athleticism as he started games at safety, running back, fullback, and linebacker. He served as team captain his senior season and earned three letters (1970-72). He was inducted into the Texas A&M Hall of Fame in 2014.

A funeral service was held at 11:00 am Thursday, June 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 8015 W. Adams Ave., Temple, Texas 76502, and was officiated by the Rev. Gary Baxley.

Dusek was buried at Bellwood Memorial Park in Temple, Texas.

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.