(Born September 20, 1941) - Did Butch Byrd return everyone of his interceptions for a touchdown while playing for the Bills?
Actually, no. He had 35 that he didn’t return for a score. But five did go for six points, as one of Buffalo’s best-ever cornerbacks was dangerous when he got the ball.
Byrd played college football at Boston University, where he ran the football, caught passes, and returned punts and kicks. He was a fourth round draft pick of the Bills in 1964, and broke right into the lineup as a rookie.
Byrd started all 14 games as a first-year player, and had seven interceptions. His addition helped a defense that led the Bills to an AFL championship that season. It was more of the same in 1965 - 14 starts, five interceptions, one championship.
Byrd stayed with the Bills through 1970. He made five All-Star Games, and was named to the AFL’s all-time second all-star team. Then he finished his career in Denver.
Byrd went on to a long career as a loan officer before retirement. He came back to Buffalo to be inducted into the Greater Buffalo Sports Hall of Fame.
--- Budd Bailey
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