From
1964 to 1970 more than a few quartebacks had wished they hadn't thrown
the ball in the direction of defensive back George "Butch" Byrd. It was
during those years that Byrd managed to snare 40 interceptions, still a
Buffalo Bills record. He could also run after making the theft, holding
another Bills record for most yards after intercepting a pass with 666
yds. He also had a nose for the end zone, scoring 5 TDs, also a Bills record.
Butch is also number two on the Bills all-time list for returning punts
with 85. Drafted in the fourth round out of Boston University in 1964,
Byrd played in five Pro Bowls, also the most ever for a Bills defensive
back. With the way the NFL has changed the rules to open up the passing
game over the years since Byrd's retirement, giving defensive backs more
opportunities for interceptions, Byrd's records seem even more remarkable
today.
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AFL Years