In 1976, Randy Butler made his start on the Louisville Cardinals football team to become the University of Louisville’s first Black quarterback. Randy Butler, UofL’s quarterback in 1976.
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.
At the time, he had no idea he was breaking barriers.
“I was just going out there and playing football, it wasn’t until later I realized the magnitude of the situation” Butler said.
Butler went on to lead the Cardinals in receptions and receiving yards and later signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Falcons.
Butler, who lives in the Atlanta area, said he is proud of the university and its improvement in efforts to recognize Black athletes.
“It makes me happy to see how the university has come a long way with regards to diversity standards,” he said.
