HILLARY BUTLER – NFL Veteran, Coach, Photographer, and Community Advocate

Highly accomplished and dedicated Former NFL Player, resourceful team leader with over 16 years of experience as Player, Defensive Coordinator, and Position Coach, influenced by knowledge consumed from coaches like Steve Spagnuolo as a player. Proven expertise in position development, paired with successful track record of coaching Linebackers, Defensive Lineman, Tight Ends, and Special Teams.

Currently residing in Steilacoom, Washington, I’ve called the Pacific Northwest home since moving with my family to Fort Lewis from San Francisco. As a proud father, husband, son, and sibling, my family is the foundation of everything I do.

My journey in football began with a scholarship to the University of Washington, where I contributed to one of the most successful classes in UW history. During my time as a Husky, I was part of a team that made three consecutive Rose Bowl appearances and won the National Championship in 1991 with an undefeated 12-0 season. I also had the honor of playing in the 1994 Hula Bowl, a prestigious event recognizing the nation's top senior athletes.

Despite facing injuries throughout my college and NFL career, I carved out a role as a journeyman linebacker in the NFL. I proudly became a member of the “Original 10” Jacksonville Jaguars and was the first linebacker signed in the team’s history. I also played in two World Bowls in NFL Europe, setting records for most tackles in a season and a single game with the Frankfurt Galaxy (Under Steve Spagnuolo) . My NFL career saw me with the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos (where I won a Super Bowl in 1997), and Seattle Seahawks, before injuries led to my retirement in 2000.

Beyond my playing career, I remain connected to the NFL as an NFL Uniform Inspector and as an alumnus of programs such as NFL Alumni, Seahawks Legends, Broncos Alumni Club, Seahawkers Booster Club, and NFLPA Legends Community. I currently serve as an Assistant Defensive Line Coach at Pacific Lutheran University and pursue my passion for photography,
capturing games for teams like the Seahawks, Huskies, Sea Dragons, and local high school football teams.

Giving back to my community is incredibly important to me. Over the years, I’ve coached youth teams in NFL Flag Football, YMCA Youth Basketball, and DuPont Youth Baseball, investing in the
next generation of athletes.