Washington Redskins: Top 30 players in franchise history

He may only have one year of national recognition to speak for in his NFL career, but Dave Butz‘s placement on this list is a testament to his longevity more than anything else.

Butz was a top-five draft pick, but not for the Redskins. The St. Louis Cardinals picked Butz at No. 5 overall in the 1973 NFL Draft. His 6-foot-7, 291 frame, as well as his standout college career with the Purdue Boilermakers, made him a coveted asset on the defensive line.

The Cardinals didn’t get their desired return from their investment, however. After his second season, coming back from an injury, Butz opted out of his contract and signed with the Redskins. The price was high, as the Redskins had to award the Cardinals a compensation package.

But in truth, it was impossible for any team to compensate for Butz.

Butz wreaked havoc on the defensive line, using a stellar combination of size, twitch, and aggression to maintain a presence on the front four. His play only improved as his career went on, and he peaked in years 1982 through 1987, where he totaled 34.5 sacks on the interior line, earning All-Pro recognition.

At one of football’s most physical positions, Butz played 16 seasons in the NFL, 14 of which were with Washington. He may not be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he may not have any MVP awards to his name, but Butz was a fixture of the Redskins’ Super Bowl aspirations in the 1980s. He was the staple of a fearsome defensive unit.