Tag: Vince Promuto (1960-70)

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.