Josh Butler (American football)

Josh Butler (born November 25, 1996) is an American professional football cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League (NFL).^[1] He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans before graduating in 2018. He also has played for the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL).

Josh Butler

No. 31 – Dallas Cowboys
Position:	Cornerback
Personal information
Born:	(1996-11-25) November 25, 1996 (age 28) Dallas, Texas, U.S.
Height:	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:	182 lb (83 kg)
Career information
High school:	West Mesquite (TX)
College:	Michigan State (2015–2019)
NFL draft:	2020: undrafted
Career history
Conquerors (2021) Michigan Panthers (2023) Dallas Cowboys (2023–present)
Roster status:	Active
Career NFL statistics as of 2024
Total tackles: 21 Sacks: 1.0 Pass deflections: 5 Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early life

Butler was born on November 25, 1996^[1] in Dallas, Texas. He attended West Mesquite High School, starting at cornerback during his final two years. He was ranked as the nation's 241st best prospect and the 26th best cornerback by Rivals.com. Additionally, he saw action as a return specialist and wildcat quarterback.^[2]

College career

Butler redshirted his first season at Michigan State. As a redshirt freshman in 2016, he garnered snaps in 11 games, primarily on special teams. As a sophomore in 2017, he started four games and collected 12 tackles. As a junior, he started five games, with 10 tackles and three passes defended. During his senior season in 2018, he started seven games, missing time due to injury. He recorded 25 tackles and 5 pass breakups.^[2] During his senior night, Butler went viral for walking the field accompanied by his two dogs: Roxy and Remi.^[3] Butler lost both his parents during his time at Michigan State.^[4]

Professional career

Pre-draft measurables

Height	Weight	Arm length	Hand span	40-yard dash	10-yard split	20-yard split	20-yard shuttle	Three-cone drill	Vertical jump	Broad jump	Bench press
5 ft 11+5⁄8 in (1.82 m)	191 lb (87 kg)	29+3⁄4 in (0.76 m)	8+3⁄4 in (0.22 m)	4.75 s	1.68 s	2.72 s	4.44 s	7.31 s	32.5 in (0.83 m)	10 ft 2 in (3.10 m)	14 reps
All values from Pro Day[5]

The Spring League

In 2021, Butler played for the Conquerors of the developmental The Spring League.^[6]

Michigan Panthers

On March 22, 2023, Butler agreed to terms with the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League.^[7] Butler started all 11 games (including the postseason), tallying 35 tackles and 4 passes defended.^[6]

Dallas Cowboys

On July 25, 2023, the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League signed Butler to their preseason roster.^[6] During the preseason, Butler collected 9 tackles and a tackle-for-loss, while also defending 2 passes in the final preseason game.^[8] While he was cut from the 53-man roster, he was later signed to the Dallas Cowboys practice squad.^[9] He signed a reserve/future contract on January 15, 2024.^[10]

Butler was waived by the Cowboys on August 27, 2024, and re-signed to the practice squad.^[11][12] He was promoted to the active roster on November 18. In 5 games for Dallas, he totaled 5 pass deflections, 1 sack, and 21 combined tackles. Butler suffered a torn ACL in Week 13 against the New York Giants, and was ruled out for the season.^[13]

Career statistics

USFL

Regular season

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Interceptions						Fumbles
		GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	Sfty	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	PD	FF	FR	TD
2023	MICH	10	10	32	22	10	0.0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	4	0	0	0
		10	10	32	22	10	0.0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	4	0	0	0

Postseason

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Interceptions						Fumbles
		GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	Sfty	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	PD	FF	FR	TD
2023	MICH	1	1	3	1	2	0.0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0
		1	1	3	1	2	0.0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0

NFL

Regular season

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Interceptions						Fumbles
		GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	Sfty	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	PD	FF	FR	TD
2023	DAL	0	0	Did not play
2024	DAL	5	3	21	17	4	1.0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	5	0	0	0
Career		5	3	21	17	4	1.0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	5	0	0	0

Postseason

Year	Team	Games		Tackles					Interceptions						Fumbles
		GP	GS	Cmb	Solo	Ast	Sck	Sfty	Int	Yds	Avg	Lng	TD	PD	FF	FR	TD
2023	DAL	0	0	Did not play
Career		0	0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0.0	0	0	0	0	0	0