Donald Butler Named Player Of The Week

Chargers linebacker receives honors

Linebacker Donald Butler was elected AFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Butler recorded half a sack and four tackles during the win against Kansas City on Sunday.

His shining moment, however, came when he intercepted a ball intended for Chiefs tight end Tony Moeaki. Butler returned the interception 21 yards to add to the Chargers already mounting score.

As of now Butler has the title, and he’s not sure what more.

“I think I get a pat on the back,” Butler said laughing. “That’s enough for me.”

Butler was drafted by the Chargers in the 3rd round of the 2010 draft from Central Washington University.

He took the field for the Bolts for the first time last year, after he suffered an Achilles tendon injury in 2010. He led the team with 75 tackles and was the only player to turn a fumble recovery into six points.

Butler has learned how to play with aggression and intelligence, an ideal combination for any defensive player. He said he is now better at predicting what is going to happen during a play as opposed to his rookie season when he was merely reacting.

Butler’s touchdown return was thanks to, in large part, the blocking of fellow linebacker Melvin Ingram. During the return Ingram laid a hit on a Chiefs offensive player that left Butler an open lane and the Chiefs’ guy with a headache.

“It was a huge block,” Butler said. “It was really what allowed me to get in the end zone. He was laying down a little bit after that too, so Mel got after him.”

Head coach Norv Turner had nothing but good things to say about his defensive player.

“I think it says a lot about the type of person he is,” Turner said “And the type of player he is and the type of time and work he’s put in to come back from a very serious injury.”

Kicker Nick Novak was among the ones nominated for AFC Special Teams Player of the Week.

For more Chargers news follow me on Twitter: @AmandaJoyMcCord

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