Matthew Butler Bio
Matthew Edward Butler is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 308 pounds, he plays on the interior of the defensive line and contributes as a rotational pass rusher and run defender. After spending his first three professional seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders, Butler joined the Dolphins in May 2025 and continues his NFL career in the AFC East.
Butler played college football at the University of Tennessee, where he appeared in 52 games across five seasons. He entered the NFL in 2022 as a fifth-round draft pick and has since built a reputation as a dependable depth piece with starting experience.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Edward Butler was born on June 10, 1999, in Fayetteville, North Carolina. He grew up in the state and attended Garner Magnet High School in Garner, North Carolina, where he starred on the football team known as the Trojans. His size and strength made him a natural fit on the defensive line from an early age, and he developed into one of the more coveted defensive line prospects in the region.
During his senior season at Garner Magnet High School, Butler recorded 96 tackles and 26 sacks, numbers that reflected his ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. His production drew attention from several college programs, and he ultimately committed to the University of Tennessee to continue his football career. That decision set the stage for a long collegiate career in the Southeastern Conference.
Path to American Football
Butler’s path to American football followed the traditional route from high school standout to college contributor. His 26-sack senior season served as his primary recruiting resume and helped establish him as a priority target for Tennessee’s coaching staff. He enrolled at the University of Tennessee in 2017, beginning a five-year run with the Volunteers program.
At Tennessee, Butler competed under three head coaches during his college career, working with Butch Jones, Jeremy Pruitt, and Josh Heupel. Over 52 games played and 25 starts, he accumulated 152 tackles and 9.5 sacks, showing steady development as an interior defender. By the time he declared for the 2022 NFL draft, he had the experience and measurables to attract attention from professional scouts.
Matthew Butler Career
Early Career (2022)
Matthew Edward Butler was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 175th overall pick in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft. The selection marked the official start of his professional career, and he joined a Raiders defensive line that was in the middle of a roster overhaul. His path to playing time began during his first training camp.
Butler made his NFL debut in Week 3 of the 2022 season against the Tennessee Titans. He went on to appear in six games during his rookie season, gaining valuable experience and showing flashes of the run-stopping ability that defined his college profile. The 2022 campaign laid the groundwork for what his coaches hoped would be a longer role in the rotation.
Las Vegas Raiders Tenure (2023–2025)
Butler’s time with the Las Vegas Raiders featured several roster moves as he bounced between the active roster and the practice squad. On August 29, 2023, the Raiders waived him and re-signed him to the practice squad. He was promoted back to the active roster on January 6, 2024, where he finished that season contributing on defense and special teams.
In 2024, Butler once again navigated the practice squad route. The Raiders waived him on August 27, 2024, and re-signed him to the practice squad before returning him to the active roster on October 10. He appeared in games during the back half of the season and was part of the defensive line rotation.
On March 26, 2025, Butler re-signed with the Raiders, signaling the organization’s continued interest in his development. However, he was waived on May 12, 2025, ending his initial Raiders stint. The brief return underscored how close he remained to the team’s plans before the roster change.
Miami Dolphins Era (2025–Present)
On May 13, 2025, Matthew Edward Butler was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins, joining the team’s defensive line room. The move gave him a fresh opportunity within the AFC East and paired him with a Dolphins front known for generating interior pressure. He transitioned into his new program during the 2025 offseason and competing for a rotational role.
Butler’s arrival in Miami added depth to the defensive tackle position and gave the coaching staff another experienced body with starting experience. With the 2025 NFL season ahead, he prepared to contribute on early downs and in pass-rush situations.
Driving Style and Strengths
Butler plays with a low pad level and uses his heavy frame to anchor against double teams at the point of attack. His strengths include gap control, run defense, and the ability to occupy blockers, freeing linebackers to make plays. He has shown steady improvement as a pass rusher, using quick hands and a variety of swim and rip moves to pressure quarterbacks.
Notable Events and Milestones
One of Butler’s defining early milestones came in his rookie season, when he made his NFL debut in Week 3 of 2022 against the Tennessee Titans, his former college program. His 175th overall selection in the 2022 draft and his appearance in 52 college games at Tennessee stand as the most established benchmarks of his career arc.
Matthew Butler Career Highlights
Matthew Edward Butler’s career includes three NFL seasons, a fifth-round draft selection, and appearances on both the Las Vegas Raiders and Miami Dolphins. His statistical highlights include 152 tackles and 9.5 sacks across 52 college games at Tennessee, where he started 25 contests. His professional tenure has included stints on practice squads and active rosters, reflecting his persistence in a competitive league.
Las Vegas Raiders Highlights
With the Las Vegas Raiders, Butler’s top moments include his 2022 NFL debut against the Tennessee Titans and his six appearances during his rookie year. He was part of the active roster at the end of both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, contributing on defense and special teams when called upon.
Other Performances
Butler’s college résumé features 26 sacks in his senior season at Garner Magnet High School and consistent production at the University of Tennessee. Those performances laid the foundation for his professional opportunity and continue to define his reputation as a hard-working interior defender.
Matthew Butler Family
Family Background and Football Lineage
Matthew Edward Butler grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and attended Garner Magnet High School in nearby Garner. Publicly available details about his parents and extended family remain limited, and he has not shared extensive personal background information in interviews.
Personal Life
Butler keeps much of his personal life private. He is active on social media, where fans can follow his professional updates and off-field interests, but he has not publicly disclosed details about a spouse, partner, or children.
2025 Season Outlook
Matthew Edward Butler entered the 2025 NFL season as a member of the Miami Dolphins after being claimed off waivers in May. The move gave him a clean slate with a defensive line that emphasizes quickness and penetration. He spent the early portion of the offseason competing for a rotational role on the interior.
Throughout the 2025 campaign, Butler has continued to develop as a depth piece and potential spot starter. His combination of run-defense experience from his Raiders tenure and his comfort playing in multiple fronts gives the Dolphins flexibility along the defensive line.
Looking ahead, Butler’s focus remains on earning consistent snaps and contributing to Miami’s defensive goals. With his contract situation tied to his current team and his role still developing, the 2025 season represents an important opportunity to solidify his place in the Dolphins’ long-term plans.