One of the best receivers in the history of Indiana University football, Jade Butcher, passed away this week at the age of 76. No cause of death was released.
Mark Deal, an assistant athletic director for alumni relations and the former President of the I Association, praised Butcher and his achievements at IU in a statement made in 2017. He presented the former Hoosier, Jade Butcher, with the I Association’s 50-year I Award.
“There are very few athletes in the history of Indiana athletics that, all you have to do is mention their first name, and everybody knows who you’re talking about,” Deal recalled telling the audience. “Everybody knows who Calbert is. Everybody knows who Antwaan is. Everybody knows who Isiah is.
“Everybody knows who Jade is. That says it all.”
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Butcher was one part of the famous “B.I.G.” trio, which consisted of Butcher, John Isenberger, and Harry Gonso. Jade also starred on the Hoosiers 1967 Rose Bowl Team.
heading into college, Butcher had offers from Notre Dame and Purdue to continue his playing career, there was no doubt in Butcher’s mind that he wanted to stay home and play for Indiana University with his friend, IU assistant coach Howard Brown.
At Indiana University, Butcher served as an anchor for one of the best offenses in the school’s history, while setting records that still stand today. Jade ended his career as a Hoosier with 116 receptions for 1,876 yards and 30 touchdowns, even though he only played three years. Freshmen weren’t eligible during Butcher’s playing career.
When he graduated from Indiana University in 1969, he held the program’s records for receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns, and total points. Since then, all these records have been broken; however, Butcher’s name remains scattered across IU record books. Jade remains one of only three top receivers in Hoosier history who have averaged at least 16 yards per catch.
Butcher was named first-team All-Big Ten twice and was an All-American in his senior season. Butcher also led the Big Ten in catches and yards in 1968, and in receiving touchdowns in 1967 and 1968.
Butcher was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons as the 147th selection in the NFL Draft in 1970. However, he eventually returned to Indiana, where he completed his degree and started working at the University.
Rest in peace!
