Marion Butts


Marion Stevenson Butts, Jr. is a former professional American football running back who played seven seasons in the National Football League for the San Diego Chargers, the New England Patriots and the Houston Oilers from 1989 to 1995.

Professional career

Butts was immediately used as a starter, for the Chargers. On December 17, 1989, late in his rookie season, he rushed for 176 yards against the Kansas City Chiefs on a Chargers record 39 carries. He led the team in rushing his first six seasons. He gained a career-best 1,225 yards in 1990, finishing third in the NFL in rushing yards, despite missing the final two games of the season due to injury. He was elected to the 1990 Pro Bowl. In the 1992 playoffs, Butts rushed 15 times for 119 yards and 1 touchdown against the Chiefs, setting the franchise records with 7.9 yards per carry.
In 1994, citing the new salary cap, as well as declining numbers due to a string of injuries, the Chargers traded Butts to the Patriots for a third- and a fifth-round pick.

Statistics