The Prague Lions have announced that they are signing versatile playmaker Brandon Butler Jr. ahead of the 2023 European League of Football season.
The 27-year-old Butler spent the past two seasons with the Frankfurt Universe of the German Football League. He contributed in all three facets of the game, as he spent time wide receiver, defensive back, and returner. He was most notable for his time at wide receiver, as he recorded a team-leading 360 yards and four touchdowns on 24 receptions in 2022. He had a much better season in 2021, as he caught 33 passes for 520 yards and two touchdowns and found more success as a kick returner.
Butler has a very interesting backstory that makes him stand out from most other American players. Growing up, he did not play much football, instead focusing on basketball and wrestling. He joined the United States Air Force where he discovered a passion for football, which ultimately led him to pursue the sport professionally. His first professional football experience was with the Aschaffenburg Stallions of the fourth division in Germany, who he played for in 2019. He signed with the Universe in early 2020, but the season was canceled due to COVID-19. However, he still went on to play two seasons in Frankfurt.
As Butler has German citizenship, he does not count against the import limit designated by the league. The Lions have just recently acquired their fourth and final American import in defensive lineman James Brooks.
Ahead of his team’s inaugural season in the ELF, Lions head coach Zach Harrod commented on the signing.
“When we started recruiting last fall our goal was 1) to find playmakers and 2) to find Swiss army knives, guys that could do multiple things and help our team succeed in multiple dimensions. That is Brandon Butler for sure, plus he is hungry and wants to prove himself. We like guys like this. I’m excited to have Brandon be part of our team going into year 1 in the ELF.”