In 1976, Randy Butler made his start on the Louisville Cardinals football team to become the University of Louisville鈥檚 first Black quarterback. Randy Butler, UofL’s quarterback in 1976.
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A native of Commerce, Georgia, Butler got his first snap against the University of Alabama as a sophomore. While he would later transition to receiver, his accomplishment paved the way for Louisville quarterback icons Teddy Bridgewater and Lamar Jackson.
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At the time, he had no idea he was breaking barriers.
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鈥淚 was just going out there and playing football, it wasn鈥檛 until later I realized the magnitude of the situation鈥 Butler said.听
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Butler went on to lead the Cardinals in receptions and receiving yards and later signed听 a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons.听
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Butler, who lives in the Atlanta area, said he is proud of the university and its improvement in efforts to recognize Black athletes.听
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鈥淚t makes me happy to see how the university has come a long way with regards to diversity standards,鈥 he said.听
