By Patrick Boyle and Jonathan Tremblay
It takes many things for a professional football player to excel at what he does. It certainly takes skill, experience and dedication, but to go above and beyond, it takes leadership. Riders Defensive Back Craig Butler understands this and has been building his leadership skills and experience whenever he finds the time, on and off the field.
At the age of six, Craig started his football career on the offensive line in his hometown of London, Ontario. Athletics were a staple of his upbringing. Both his older sister and brother played football, while Craig’s father coached. The family was passionate about the outdoors; camping and sports were a natural fit to their lifestyle and little Craig ended up playing competitively in several sports, including a stint as a goalie in minor hockey.
However, football remained his priority and as Craig evolved as a player, he tested a variety of positions on the gridiron. Being an athlete and a leader, he excelled at offence and defence, and was even the proud quarterback that led his team to win provincials at one point.
When he reached university, it was with a stellar record. Craig received many offers and chose the University of Western Ontario’s Mustangs. This time, he wouldn’t be throwing the ball, but instead, punishing those who do. Craig was a dominant safety and won many CIS awards as he became an All-Canadian, OUA All-Star and even his university’s highest honour for student athletes. He enjoyed his time in college ball and was drafted by the Riders in the second round of the 2011 CFL draft.
With 47 tackles and five interceptions in his first season with the green and white, Craig was a nominee and in serious contention for CFL Rookie of the Year. The two following seasons have also been impressive, but Craig doesn’t stop learning outside the stadium as well.
He loves to learn, to teach and to lead by example. He has spent the last two winters completing a history degree: “I like things that are black and white, and I like learning from history; it prepares you for the future.’’ In a larger sense, Craig also says that his education and pursuit of learning experiences is connected to football: “Football builds life experience and a lot of people look up to us as professional athletes.’’
That’s why Craig hopes to continue his studies to eventually achieve a teaching degree. He has always enjoyed working with youth and finds he wants to give back and share his life experiences, on and off the field. “I’d love to coach football as well,’’ says Butler. “One way or another, I always want to have football involved in my life.’’
From early roles in junior sports to academia and a spot in the Green and White, Craig Butler shows his leadership every day and wants to be an inspiration for the next generation.
Watch Craig and the rest of the Riders as they take on the Montreal Alouettes on Sept. 29.
