Kevin Butler

Kevin Gregory Butler was born on July 24, 1962, in Savannah, Georgia. He developed his skills in football and soccer at Redan High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. His talent was recognized early, particularly after he kicked a 44-yard field goal in a state championship game, which caught the attention of University of Georgia Head Coach Vince Dooley.

Butler went on to have an exemplary college career at the University of Georgia from 1981 to 1984. He was a two-time All-American and a four-time All-Southeastern Conference player. During his time, he set the Bulldogs’ scoring record with 353 points (122 PAT’s, 77 field goals). He kicked a school record 60-yard field goal against the Clemson Tigers in 1984, securing a 26-23 victory. He also set an NCAA record with 27 multiple field-goal games. In recognition of his collegiate achievements, Butler became the first kicker ever inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2001.

His professional career spanned 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL) with the Chicago Bears (1985–1995) and the Arizona Cardinals (1996–1997). As a rookie in 1985, he set a scoring record with 144 points and was a key member of the Chicago Bears team that won Super Bowl XX. He became the Bears’ all-time leading scorer with 1,116 points. After retiring from the NFL, Butler continued his involvement in football, serving as a special teams assistant for the University of Georgia and co-hosting a radio show. He also pursued a business career, working as a consultant and returning to the University of Georgia to complete his undergraduate degree in 2018.