Gold Jacket Spotlight: LeRoy Butler’s leap into new career impacts lives

On Dec. 26, 1993, Hall of Famer LeROY BUTLER became an immortal part of the Green Bay Packers history after turning a teammate’s fumble recovery into a touchdown and jumping into the stands. 

More than 30 years later, LeRoy’s now-iconic “Lambeau Leap” continues to provide new avenues in his life. This week’s Gold Jacket Spotlight highlights his commitment to giving back in local communities and how he serves as an inspiration for those going through struggles. 

Whether it be in his home state of Florida or where he made a name for himself in Wisconsin, LeRoy embraces youngsters and other individuals in need through philanthropic endeavors. Over the past year, the Packers legend has told his story as an inspiration to never give up, no matter the circumstances.

“I try to let everybody understand that every negative box has been checked on me, but I'm going to check all the positive boxes for the kids,” LeRoy said in an interview. 

In October 2023, LeRoy, who lived in poverty as a child, returned to his hometown neighborhood in Jacksonville to find new ways to tackle homelessness. Serving as an ambassador for Changing Homelessness, he helps the nonprofit organization coordinate funding and the delivery of housing services for people experiencing homelessness.

Later that month, LeRoy hosted a “Leap Into Wellness” mental health summit in downtown Milwaukee, aiming to spread the word to young people that there is no shame in asking for help when they are in crisis. The event brought together mental health professionals, advocates and resources from across the state to create and launch a plan of action to provide resources for kids in need.

“My mother once said, ‘A hero, or somebody great, is somebody who volunteers or helps people who you don’t know,’” LeRoy said.

Continuing his philanthropic endeavors, LeRoy attended the 21st annual “Cops ‘N Kids Holiday Book Giveaway” last December. The free event in Racine, Wis., put books in children’s hands during the holiday season. He has attended the event for serval years, providing endless memories for those in attendance. 

Seven years ago, the Hall of Famer started a “Butler vs. Bullying” campaign. With the program reaching more than 100,000 students since its inception, LeRoy calls it one of the most important topics to address among young children. 

“I try to support things that I can relate to,” he said. “Mental health to me is probably in the top three because I had dealt with it my whole life because [I was] always told something negative. Every day, 'You can't do this; you're not going to do this.”

He delivered a message of hope to La Casa de Esperanza Charter School in Waukesha, Wis., this past January 2024. Those in attendance heard him speak about resilience and determination, recalling what he went through as a child with crutches and a wheelchair. 

A member of the Hall of Fame’s Class of 2022, LeRoy might be better known by most for his success on the football field, but he is striving to make an even bigger impact off it.

LeRoy said no one should use poverty as an excuse not to succeed.

“Because I didn't use it. Somebody is going to make it,” he said. “Somebody is going to make it in your family, in your community. Why can't it be you?”