By Darin 
Did you know that one of the most prolific interceptors in NFL history was never even drafted? That’s the extraordinary true story of Jack Butler, the legendary cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, born on November 12, 1927, in his hometown of Pittsburgh. As a non-drafted free agent signed in 1951, Butler defied all odds, not only carving out a nine-season career but finishing it with the second-most career interceptions in NFL history—a truly amazing feat for a player overlooked by every team.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame provides an excellent career biography sketch on Jack. It tells us that he was a free-agent signing with his hometown NFL team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in 1951. All he did as a non-drafted player was play for 9 seasons and step away from the game as the player with the second-most career interceptions in League history. Think about that for a second! The second-most interceptions in NFL history as an undrafted player —truly amazing.
Jack played a total of 103 games and picked off 52 passes for 827 return yards; four of those were pick-sixes. Butler was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1950s. The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrined Jack Butler in 2012.
Football Accolades and Accomplishments:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2012).
- Second-most career interceptions in NFL history at the time of his retirement (52).
- Undrafted Free Agent signing (Pittsburgh Steelers, 1951).
- NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1950s.
- Recorded 52 career interceptions for 827 return yards.
- Scored four defensive touchdowns (pick-sixes).