Andrew Joseph Butler established himself as one of the most elite college punters of his generation before carving out a multi-year career in the National Football League. Born on May 10, 1989, in Duluth, Georgia, football was woven into his DNA as the son of former Chicago Bears legendary kicker Kevin Butler. Drew transitioned from a local high school standout into a unanimous All-American at the University of Georgia and an NFL specialist. This biography explores his early athletic development, legendary college run, professional stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals, and his post-playing career in sports business and media.
Early Life and High School Background
Growing up in the Atlanta metropolitan area, Drew attended Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Georgia. While his father Kevin was celebrated for kicking field goals in the NFL, Drew gravitated toward punting and placekicking, quickly earning a reputation for exceptional leg strength and directional control.
During his senior season in 2006, he guided his team to success while collecting high praise from scouts. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Georgia Sports Writers Association named him to their Class 5A all-state first-teams. Major recruiting services ranked him among the top punter prospects in the country. Beyond his athletic exploits on the gridiron, he excelled academically, maintaining a 3.9 grade point average and starring on the school's golf team. This blend of academic discipline and athletic precision set the stage for a decorated collegiate career.
Collegiate Stardom at the University of Georgia
Opting to stay close to home, Butler committed to the University of Georgia to play for the Bulldogs. After redshirting and developing his technique, he earned the starting punter job and exploded onto the national scene during the 2009 season.
The Breakout 2009 Season
The 2009 campaign stands as one of the most dominant individual seasons by a collegiate punter in NCAA history. Butler led the entire nation in both gross and net punting average, flipping field position consistently for the Bulldogs. His poise under pressure and booming kicks earned him a massive collection of individual hardware:
- Ray Guy Award Winner: Awarded annually to the nation's top college punter.
- Unanimous First-Team All-American: Recognized across all major selector publications.
- First-Team All-SEC: Honored as the premier punter in the Southeastern Conference.
Academic Excellence and Team Leadership
Unlike many athletes who focus solely on sports, Butler excelled off the field. In 2010 and 2011, he was named a First-Team Academic All-American, a rare distinction for a premier football player. He was also named a finalist for the prestigious William V. Campbell Trophy—often referred to as the "Academic Heisman"—recognizing an individual as the top scholar-athlete in college football. Voted a two-time team captain by his peers, Butler concluded his career holding the all-time program record for career punting average at Georgia.
Professional NFL Career
Following the conclusion of his collegiate eligibility, Butler entered the National Football League draft pool. Though he wasn't selected during the draft rounds in April 2012, his phone rang immediately afterward.
Pittsburgh Steelers (2012–2013)
On April 28, 2012, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Butler as an undrafted free agent rookie. He won the training camp battle and immediately handled punting duties for all 16 regular-season games as a rookie. During that debut year, he recorded a career-long 79-yard punt, which set the record for the longest punt in Heinz Field history. He finished his rookie campaign with 77 punts for 3,374 yards, averaging 43.8 yards per attempt.
He returned to Pittsburgh for the 2013 season after winning a tight preseason battle against veteran punter Brian Moorman, continuing to stabilize the team's special teams units.
Brief Offseason Stints
After his initial run in Pittsburgh, Butler experienced the transient nature of the NFL's specialist market. He spent time on the offseason and practice rosters of several franchises, including brief stints with the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions during 2014. These stops allowed him to refine his technique while waiting for a permanent starting vacancy.
Arizona Cardinals (2014–2016)
In September 2014, Butler signed with the Arizona Cardinals. Following an injury to veteran incumbent Dave Zastudil, Butler stepped into the starting role and quickly made an impact. He led the NFL in punts downed inside the 20-yard line during the 2014 season, showcasing the precise directional kicking that made him famous in college.
He remained a staple of Arizona's special teams through their deep postseason runs, including their 2015 NFC West division title and appearance in the NFC Championship Game. Across four total NFL seasons, Butler played in 54 regular-season games, totaling 248 punts for 10,627 yards and pinning opponents inside the 20-yard line 92 times.
Transition to Business and Media
When his playing days concluded, Butler transitioned smoothly into the corporate sports world and digital media. He founded 4th Down Consulting to advise athletes and organizations. In March 2021, he took on a major corporate role as Executive Vice President at Icon Source, a digital marketplace connecting brands with college athletes navigating name, image, and likeness (NIL) opportunities.
Additionally, he stayed connected to the gridiron through broadcasting and podcasting, co-hosting programs like the Punt & Pass Podcast and CampusLore Life, where he shares insider perspectives on college football culture and professional athletics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Drew Butler win any major college football awards?
Yes. In 2009, he won the Ray Guy Award as the nation's best collegiate punter and was selected as a unanimous first-team All-American.
Who is Drew Butler's father?
His father is Kevin Butler, a former star kicker for the University of Georgia and the Chicago Bears who won Super Bowl XX.
Which NFL teams did Drew Butler play for?
He played regular-season games for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Arizona Cardinals, while also spending time with the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions.
What does Drew Butler do now?
After retiring from professional football, he transitioned into sports business, serving as an executive at Icon Source in the NIL sector and hosting college football podcasts.
