Several years ago I wrote a scouting report and did an interview on Lawrence (Larry) Butler an All-American linebacker out of Southern Nazarene University
I viewed him as a 3rd round pick, as did many draft insiders.
He has had many road blocks along the way. You might like to know what happened to his football career and what he is doing today.
When was your Achilles Injury, and how did it happen?
Happened last day of draft , (3rd day) I had a string of injuries during my senior year caused me to miss 3 games and parts of 3 others. I wasn’t given an MRI I didn’t know the extent of damage paying on injury my senior season ultimately lead to cartilage damage and a torn Achilles which ultimately derailed my career. Preseason going into my senior season I was projected as a 3rd round pick . My stock plummeted during this injury riddled season Ultimately I played my senior season , with a torn quadricep , fractured ankle, and partially torn Achilles and had no idea.
What was your Mindset after the injury, and did you think about still trying to make it to the next level?
Yes I actually had a brief comeback when I was able to walk again in 2018 a year and a half later the globe bowl in Philadelphia I ran a 4.5 in the 40 and a 4.2 shuttle and had 11 tackles 3 Tfls a forced fumble and 2 fumble recoveries in the game my performance is still on YouTube
Did you think about a career in coaching or in football operations?
Nope I actually don’t even watch or care for football anymore I’m completely out the loop. the way my career ended I honestly feel football was a waste of my life literally dedicated my whole young life to it missed out on a lot for something that ultimately (injury or not) didn’t work out in the end
What was your backup plan if football didn’t work out?
Didn’t really have one to be honest (smiles and laughs) I got into personal training for a little it was cool paid the bills and Helping people reach goals was always great feeling
Do you think about football these days?
Not at all.
Was Fashion and modeling something you’ve always have been interested in? or Something that has fallen into?
I was actually focused on being an actor and went thru several auditions etc since 2019 wasn’t getting much traction until recently I was always suggested to do model by people and I did a photo shoot sent them around it created a lot of buzz and I got offered to do shows and now because I’m more identifiable I’m getting more opportunities in film as well. Also I have a book coming early next year so be on the lookout
Do you think a Career in the fashion industry will be as fulfilling as a career in the football industry?
Yes even more so now I’ll have more of a name and platform to touch, reach , and help people
What are some of your goals in modeling?
My goals are always to be the best in everything I do
Do you have other interests besides modeling and fashion?
Film
What is it like going from an All-American Linebacker to a professional model?
I feel it opens a lot of doors the story is interesting more and more people want to learn and know more , I get asked about it all the time. I would choose to not even talk about it anymore if I could football is over I moved on but I know people who meet me want to talk about it . It’s cool
Is there anything you would like brought out or highlighted in this article?
Be on the lookout for Lawrence Butler III “LB3 is the future “
It was really nice getting to catch up with him. Happy he has such a promising career.