Kevin Butler
The steady leg behind the 1985 Bears' historic run.
Kevin Butler holds the distinction of being the Chicago Bears' all-time leading scorer, a record that outlasts even the glory of the legendary 1985 defense. Drafted in 1985, he became the silent engine of the Super Bowl XX championship squad, converting high-pressure situations into points with a consistency that defined an era.
- Role
- Placekicker
- Tenure with Bears
- 1985–1993
- Super Bowl Appearance
- XX (Champion)
- Pro Bowl Selections
- 4
- Franchise Scoring Record
- All-time leader
Lore & Background
While the 'Monsters of the Midway' defense stole headlines with suffocating stops, Butler provided the crucial offensive points that turned tight games into blowouts. His ability to convert field goals from long distances complemented Walter Payton's ground game and Jim McMahon's improvisation perfectly. Though his tenure extended through the early 1990s, the 1985 season remains the pinnacle of his career, culminating in a dominant Super Bowl XX victory. Off-field turbulence marked his departure; following the 1993 season, contract disputes led to his release, and he retired shortly thereafter, cementing his legacy during the franchise's most golden era.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled across Soldier Field in December, biting at exposed skin and threatening to send the ball wide of the uprights. The crowd, a sea of navy blue and orange, held its breath. It was fourth down, but the real battle wasn't for yardage; it was three yards past the line where the ball sat on the tee. Kevin Butler stepped back, his cleats digging into the frozen turf. He didn't look at the defensive line swarming him; he only saw the uprights. The snap came, the hold was perfect, and with a fluid motion that defied the freezing air, he struck the leather. The ball soared high, spinning against the grey Chicago sky, clearing the crossbar by inches as the stadium erupted in a roar that shook the foundations of the city.
Reader's Guide
Butler’s tenure spanned over a decade at Soldier Field, coinciding with the team's most dominant period from the mid-1980s to early 1990s. Known for exceptional accuracy and leg strength, he converted field goals from distances considered improbable at the time, often serving as the tie-breaker when the defense stalled his teammates. His greatest achievement remains his integral role in the Super Bowl XX championship team, where he was named First-Team All-Pro and selected for four consecutive Pro Bowls.
Did You Know?
- Kevin Butler holds the Chicago Bears franchise record for most career points scored.
- He was selected to four Pro Bowls and named First-Team All-Pro in 1985.
- Butler was the starting placekicker for the team that went 15-1 during the 1985 season.
- He is one of only a few players to score over 1,000 points in his career with a single franchise.