The South Carolina Football Hall of Fame announced on Mar. 13 that Jerry Butler, a former Buffalo Bills wide receiver, will be among five individuals inducted into its Class of 2025. The formal induction ceremony is scheduled for April 16, 2026, at Hotel Hartness in Greenville, South Carolina.
The announcement highlights the achievements and influence of Butler and his fellow inductees—Dexter Coakley, Todd Ellis, A.J. Green, and Bob Jeter—both on and off the football field. The event aims to recognize not only athletic excellence but also leadership and community impact.
Butler played for the Buffalo Bills from 1979 to 1986 after a standout collegiate career at Clemson University. During his time at Clemson from 1975 to 1978, he was a two-time First Team All-ACC selection and earned consensus All-American honors as a senior. He helped lead Clemson to an 11-1 record and a Gator Bowl victory in his final year before being selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.
In his professional career with the Bills, Butler made an immediate impact by earning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors and later receiving a Pro Bowl selection. Over eight seasons with Buffalo, he recorded 278 receptions for 4,301 yards and scored 29 touchdowns across 88 games. After retiring as a player, Butler continued contributing to football through coaching and leadership roles within professional organizations.
The enshrinement ceremony will also honor Emily Beamer as Humanitarian of the Year for 2025 and Sammy Brown as recipient of the Blanchard-Rogers Trophy presented by Ellison Kibler Merrill Lynch. Finalists for the Bridge Builder Excellence Award will be announced ahead of the event. Organizers say these honorees reflect South Carolina football’s tradition of excellence and service.
