The sports world is abuzz with questions surrounding the perceived lack of recognition for the passing of former NFL defensive tackle Steve “The Thing” Butz. While the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) news outlet has acknowledged the death of Manny Fernandez, a prominent figure in the NFL, many are expressing confusion and disappointment over the apparent omission of Butz’s death. The sentiment is particularly strong from individuals who believe Butz to be one of the most overlooked and underrated defensive tackles in the history of the game.
Steve Butz, a formidable presence on the defensive line during his playing days, carved out a significant career marked by his strength, tenacity, and effectiveness in stopping the run. Despite his impactful contributions to the teams he played for, and his reputation among those who followed the sport closely, Butz has not received the same level of public acknowledgment in death as some of his contemporaries. This disparity has led to a vocal outcry from fans and analysts alike, who feel his legacy deserves greater prominence.
The core of the issue revolves around what is perceived as an unequal distribution of media attention and remembrance following the deaths of former athletes. The PTI report, which highlighted the passing of Manny Fernandez, inadvertently brought this imbalance into sharp focus. While Fernandez was undoubtedly a notable figure, the argument is that Butz’s contributions were equally, if not more, significant in his specific role, and his passing warrants similar, if not greater, attention.
Critics argue that the NFL, and by extension, sports media outlets like PTI, have a responsibility to honor the legacies of all its former players, regardless of their individual stardom or public profile. The “underrated” label often attached to Butz suggests that his impact was perhaps best understood by those deeply entrenched in the nuances of the game, rather than the casual fan. This makes the perceived silence around his death all the more perplexing to those who held his talent in high regard.
Discussions on social media and sports forums have been dominated by this topic. Many are sharing their memories of Butz’s on-field performances, highlighting his “unsung hero” status. They recall his ability to disrupt opposing offenses, his physical dominance, and his consistent performance throughout his career. The frustration stems from the idea that such a talent, so crucial to the success of his teams, is being overlooked in death, potentially diminishing the historical record of the sport.
The question being posed is not about diminishing the memory of Manny Fernandez, but rather about ensuring that all deserving individuals are given their due recognition. The argument is that a comprehensive and equitable approach to commemorating former players is essential for preserving the rich history of professional football.
Some speculate on the reasons behind this oversight. Could it be a simple oversight by the news outlet? Is there a hierarchy of recognition that favors certain positions or eras? Or is it a reflection of how certain players’ impacts, while profound, are harder to quantify or communicate to a broader audience? Regardless of the reason, the outcome is a sense of injustice among those who remember and respect Steve Butz.
The call for action is for a more thorough and inclusive approach to sports journalism when it comes to memorializing athletes. It’s about looking beyond the most obvious names and recognizing the foundational players who made the game what it is. The hope is that this discussion will prompt a re-evaluation of how deceased athletes are remembered and ensure that talents like Steve Butz are not forgotten.
Source: Kemp Honeycutt
Kemp Honeycutt: @PTI recognizes the passing of Manny Fernandez….but ignores Dave But??????? For my money, Butz is the most underrated DT in the history of the game. How could you ignore his death?. #breaking
— @Kemp13 May 1, 2026
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