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Two years ago on the Saturday before the Super Bowl, legendary Green Bay Packers guard Jerry Kramer finally heard Canton’s call when he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Could fellow Packers legend LeRoy Butler be in for the same fate this weekend? We’re about 24 hours away from finding out.
Butler made it to the finalist level after being a semi-finalist multiple times. That means Butler is in Miami this weekend and will be awaiting the fateful knock on his hotel room door from Pro Football Hall of Fame president David Baker. If no knock comes, then his wait will continue.
Butler’s case for enshrinement is a strong one. Much like how Kramer before him was the last member of the NFL’s 50th anniversary team to be enshrined, Butler is one of only two members of the league’s all-1990s team not be in Canton. The other is former Broncos safety Steve Atwater, who is also a finalist this year.
Butler was the rare talent (at least in the 1990s) of being a safety that was not only good in coverage but also as a pass rusher. He was the first safety to record 35 interceptions and 20 sacks and only Charles Woodson, Brian Dawkins and Ronde Barber have since joined him in that club.
Along with Butler and Atwater, John Lynch and Troy Polamalu are the other safeties in the finalists class. It’s nearly impossible all four will get in at the same time but two of the four are fairly likely.
Will Butler Lambeau Leap into Canton this summer or like Kramer, will he be forced to wait even longer? Stay tuned.
Now for today’s curds.
Pete Dougherty will be the one making Butler’s case to the selection committee tomorrow and while he doesn’t sound overly optimistic Butler gets in this time, Dougherty says his case is strong enough that anything could happen.
Versatility adds to Jace Sternberger’s long-term upside—Packers.com
Jace Sternberger showed enough promise late this season to get more playing time next year especially if the Packers release Jimmy Graham. Sternberger can be the starter and he clearly learned a lot from both Graham and Marcedes Lewis.
Packers pay up — to the tune of $5.28M — for their good health—ESPN
The Packers were remarkably healthy this season, especially considering their luck with injuries the past few seasons, and that good health comes with a price.
Full list of former Packers on XFL rosters—Packers Wire
The NFL season wraps up on Sunday which means the rebooted XFL’s first season is soon to begin. If you want to fill your football appetite, here is a list of former Packers who will be participating in the reborn league
Super Bowl LIV by numbers: Stats that could determine winner—NFL.com
Here is one last statistical breakdown of Super Bowl LIV this weekend. While we’re sad the Packers aren’t playing Sunday, this should still be a fun game to watch.