​Butler was a defensive back for the Generals before graduating and moving on to play safety for the Florida State Seminoles. At Florida State he started for 3 seasons accounting for 194 tackles and 9 interceptions. In 1990 Butler was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the 48th pick (2nd round) of the NFL Draft. Butler played for the Packers from 1990 to 2001 where he accumulated 953 tackles, 38 interceptions 12 fumble recoveries, 20.5 sacks and 3 defensive touchdowns. Along with his Super Bowl XXXI ring with the '96 Packers Butler won numerous awards for his playing days in the NFL earning 5 All-Pro selections, 4 Pro Bowl selections, was selected to the NFL 1990 All-Decade team, and was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. Butler is credited with inventing the "Lambeau Leap" after jumping up into the arms of fans following a touchdown in 1993.