How a devastating injury reshaped a rising football star's destiny
In short: In 2017, Jake Butt was projected as a top-50 NFL pick. A torn ACL during the Orange Bowl changed everything, turning a certain second-round trajectory into a complex battle with injury and a remarkable transition from the gridiron to the broadcast booth.
At the University of Michigan, Jake Butt established himself as one of the most decorated tight ends in program history. By the end of his collegiate career, he held the records for both career receptions (136) and receiving yards (1,646) for the position. His accolades were extensive, including two All-American honors, two Big Ten Tight End of the Year awards, and prestigious individual honors such as the John Mackey Award and the Ozzie Newsome Award.
However, the momentum of his career was halted by a significant physical setback. During the 2016 Orange Bowl, Butt suffered a torn ACL. This injury fundamentally altered his professional outlook; while analysts like Todd McShay had projected him as a top-50 pick, the injury caused him to slide to the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, where the Denver Broncos selected him 145th overall. To mitigate the financial impact of this drop in draft position, Butt utilized a loss-of-value insurance rider, which resulted in a $543,000 payout.
The professional years that followed were defined by a struggle for stability. After joining the Broncos on a four-year, $2.70 million contract, Butt faced repeated setbacks, including being placed on injured reserve in 2017 and suffering another torn ACL during a non-contact drill in 2018. Following a stint with the Chicago Bears in 2021, he retired from the NFL. Today, Butt has pivoted to a new career in broadcasting, serving as an analyst for the Big Ten Network and contributing to UFL broadcasts on Fox.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Jake Butt
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