Steward Butler, a running back, perished at the age of 33 for unknown reasons.
He last played for the Marshall Thundering Herd and fans considered him a Dreadnaught legend.
The Lakeland Dreadnaughts offered their profound condolences to the family of Steward Butler, who formerly played for them.
Highlights
- They have not revealed the cause of his death, and Steward Butler’s family may choose to maintain privacy during this difficult time.
- His breakaway speed has provided the Herd with 21 carries of 20 yards or more, the most famous of which was his 83-yard touchdown run in 2014.
- Butler had a lifetime rushing average of 7.0 yards per carry, breaking Erik Thomas’ school career record.
Steward Butler, was a football running back, born on June 28, 1991 in Lakeland, Florida.
He is most known for playing for his high school Lakeland Dreadnaughts and the Marshall Thundering Herd in college.
Butler had a brief career, playing for both high school and college, but he set numerous records and demonstrated his abilities.
However, tragic news broke on Thursday that Herds running back Steward Butler had passed away at the age of 33.
Lakeland Football took to social media to announce the death of their former legend.
The Dreadnaughts conveyed their profound condolences to Steward Butler’s family and stated that he is gone but never forgotten.
With great sorrow, we extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Dreadnaught Legend Steward Butler. Prayers and condolences to everyone affected during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts, and we wish you strength and resilience. Gone but never forgotten! ⚓️🟠⚫️ pic.twitter.com/nx2klS06z6
— Lakeland Football (@LHSDreadnaughts) November 14, 2024
They have not revealed the cause of his death, and Steward Butler’s family may choose to maintain privacy during this difficult time.
They may also wish to be left alone to cope with the loss of an essential member of their family.
The unexpected news has shocked fans all across the world, and it’s difficult to believe for Herds and Dreadnaught fans who have seen him play.
Remembering the great Dreadnaught running back and record-breaking Herd player, as well as reflecting on his brief but amazing career.
Steward Butler Started His Senior Year as the Thirteenth Best Rusher in Herd History
Despite the fact that he had only made one start in the previous three seasons, he began his senior year as the thirteenth best rusher in Herd history.
He had seven games in his career where he carried for 100 yards or more. The most famous of which being a 233-yard performance in a 2014 overtime loss to Western Kentucky.
It was when usual starter Devon Johnson could only carry the ball three times due to injury.
Butler’s breakaway speed has given the Herd 21 carries of 20 yards or more, the most famous being his 83-yard touchdown run in 2014 while playing for Southern Miss.
He was the only player in Herd history to have two 72-yard rushes, both of which resulted in touchdowns.
Butler had a lifetime rushing average of 7.0 yards per carry, breaking Erik Thomas’ school career record.
He scored seven touchdowns, bringing his career total to 18, which ranks thirteenth in Marshall’s career history.
During the 2014 season, he was the Herd’s second-leading rusher, accumulating 798 yards on 107 attempts while losing only 6 yards. He averaged 15.4 yards per rush, which was 15th best in the country.
Following Doug Chapman’s 87-yard touchdown run in the 1999 Motor City Bowl triumph over BYU.
The Herd’s 83-yard touchdown run was the team’s longest rush in the preceding 15 years.
Butler participated in the Conference USA championship game versus Louisiana Tech, making his first career start.
In 2015, he was suspended from the team, which was soon made permanent, and he was never seen again.
His football career ended after that because no team spotted him playing.
At this hard time for Steward Butler’s parents they are in grief and football fans have shared their condolence on the internet and prayed for peace.
way too young. RIP
MUonium
One of my favorite MU players ever, was always a threat to take it to the house.
girthyherdon
Just terrible. RIP to one of my all time favorite players.
muherd34
Additional Information
- Steward Butler was 5’9″ tall and weighed 185 pounds while at Marshall Thundering Herd.
- Butler majored in Health Sciences at Marshal University.
- He received a six-month term for attacking two guys he observed kissing. Butler apologized before being jailed for two counts of assault.
