9781422274712

Recipient of the Butkus Award The Butkus Award is named after Hall of Fame linebacker Dick Butkus (of the Chicago Bears) and is presented annually to the best high-school, college, and professional player at that position. Mack’s 2016 seasonwas his best todate as a professional in theNFL, which led to a long-awaited playoff appearance for his Raiders team, an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, and the Defensive Player of the Year award. He also stood out among some of the best linebackers in the NFL, including Luke Kuechly of the Carolina Panthers (recipient

of the award three times in the NFL and once in college), C. J. Mosley of the Balti- moreRavens, andVon Miller of the Denver Broncos. For Mack’s efforts on the field, he was the recipient of the Butkus Award at the professional level.

A highlight of the plays that allowed Mack to stand out among the league’s best linebackers in order to win the Butkus Award.

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Chapter 1: Greatest Moments