List of Butkus Award Winners Year by Year

The Butkus Award, established in 1985 by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, celebrates exceptional linebackers across various levels of football each year. Named after legendary linebacker Dick Butkus, the accolade is administered by the Butkus Foundation, a non-profit organization supporting health initiatives like the "I Play Clean" anti-steroid program. Initially managed by the Downtown Athletic Club of Orlando, control of the award shifted in 2008 following a lawsuit by Butkus himself.

Initially, the Butkus Award recognized outstanding collegiate linebackers exclusively. However, in 2008, it underwent an expansion to include winners from high school and professional levels. This transformation was part of an effort by the Butkus family to combat anabolic steroid misuse among young athletes. Notably, a handful of players have achieved the rare feat of clinching both high school and collegiate Butkus Awards, including Manti Te'o and Jaylon Smith from Notre Dame, along with Georgia's Nakobe Dean.

Moreover, a select few have attained the distinction of winning both collegiate and professional Butkus Awards. Among these exceptional players are Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers, Von Miller of the Denver Broncos, Luke Kuechly from the Carolina Panthers, and Roquan Smith of the Baltimore Ravens. Their outstanding performances exemplify the pinnacle of excellence across different game levels, earning them recognition as exceptional linebackers in football history.

Butkus Award Winners Year by Year

The Butkus Award, traditionally recognizing top-notch collegiate linebackers, underwent a significant shift in 2008. The Butkus family revamped the award, extending its reach to honor outstanding high school and professional linebackers. This change aimed to combat anabolic steroid abuse among young athletes. Notably, three exceptional players clinched both high school and collegiate Butkus Awards, including Notre Dame's Manti Te'o (in 2008 and 2012), Jaylon Smith (in 2012 and 2015), and Georgia's Nakobe Dean (in 2018 and 2021).

Moreover, a select group of four players achieved the rare feat of securing both collegiate and professional Butkus Awards. This elite category includes prominent names like Patrick Willis from the San Francisco 49ers (in 2006 and 2009), Von Miller of the Denver Broncos (in 2010 and 2012), Luke Kuechly representing the Carolina Panthers (in 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2017), and Roquan Smith from the Baltimore Ravens (in 2017 and 2022). Their exceptional talents bridged the gap between college and professional football, earning them the prestigious Butkus Award at both levels.

Butkus Award Collegiate Winners

Butkus Award Professional Winners

Butkus Award High school Winners

Each year's Butkus Award winner stands as a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence and the embodiment of defensive mastery. These linebackers have etched their names in football lore, leaving an enduring legacy of skill, dedication, and sportsmanship.

As we celebrate the lineage of Butkus Award winners, it's not merely a list of names etched in history but a testament to the enduring spirit of football excellence. The Butkus Award continues to honor the best of the best, inspiring future generations of linebackers to strive for greatness on and off the field.