1977 Profile: Greg Buttle

Linebacker
No. 51
Penn State
"If the Jets regain respectability in his lifetime, he'll be All-Pro. The NFL draft wizards who left him unclaimed need a sobriety test.
A vicious hitter, Buttle made all the All-America teams at Penn State. He took over as left linebacker in his rookie year with New York and led the team with 98 tackles and 85 assists. He was the best rookie linebacker in the NFL.
Buttle takes losses extremely hard. He has the perfect attitude: 'The pay me to practice. I'll play for nothing.' He must curb his tendency to free-lance.
Born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, Buttle is outgoing and quotable. He should become a huge favorite in New York.

-Rich Kucner, The Complete Handbook of Pro Football, 1977 Edition

"Buttle made every NFL all-rookie team last year. He led the club in tackles with 98 solos and 85 assists. He returned a fumble 23 yards for a touchdown against New England. He had an interception against the Patriots and one against the 49ers in the end zone. Buttle was chosen by the New York writers as the Jets' Rookie of the Year.
'When he hits you, he buries you,' says Walt Michaels. A hard hitter with quick reactions, Greg has been called 'free lance' by Michaels for his sometimes reckless play but has been tabbed by Michaels as a future All-Pro.
He was a consensus All-America choice, named first team by AP, UPI, NEA, Football Writers, Walter Camp, Sporting News and Football News.  Greg played in the Japan, Sugar, Cotton, Orange and Hula Bowls and played in the last College All-Star Game, against the Pittsburgh Steelers. His college stats include 341 tackles (178 solo).
Greg majored in arts and sciences, he enjoys paddleball, and his ambition is 'to be the best at whatever.' His father is an FBI agent. Greg is articulate and is a good representative of the club on speaking engagements. He makes his home year-round in Lido Beach on Long Island, his birthplace is Atlantic City, New Jersey and his hometown is Linwood, New Jersey."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

"They don't pay me to play on Sundays. They pay me to practice. I'd play on Sundays for nothing."

-Greg Buttle (1977 New York Jets Media Guide)