Darius J. Butler (born March 18, 1986 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida) is an American football cornerback for the New England Patriots of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Connecticut.

Early years
Butler attended Coral Springs Charter School in Coral Springs, Florida. While there he played quarterback and safety. He also played basketball, scoring over 1,000 points during his career.


College career
Butler played college football at the University of Connecticut, where he was a four-year starter and two year team captain. He was primarily a cornerback, but he also spent time as a kickoff returner and wide receiver.

Butler was twice named Big East Player of the Week, both during his freshman year in 2005. He earned Big East Defensive Player of the Week after intercepting three passes for 122 interception return yards and a touchdown in a game against Army on October 1, 2005. The 122 return yards set both a Connecticut and Michie Stadium record. He also was awarded Big East Special Teams Player of the Week after he returned a kick off 90 yards for a touchdown against South Florida on November 26, 2005. After his senior season in 2008, Butler was named to the First- team All Big East.

Butler finished his career at Connecticut starting 43 of 45 games, recording 180 tackles, 10 interceptions for 213 return yards and two touchdowns. He also scored three other touchdowns: one on a kickoff return, one rushing and one receiving.


Professional career

New England Patriots
Butler was drafted by the New England Patriots in the second round (41st overall) of the 2009 NFL Draft.  On July 10, 2009, he signed a four-year contract with the Patriots that included a total of about $2.1 million in guaranteed money. Butler got his first career start and interception against the Tennessee Titans. The following week after he got his second interception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

He returned an interception 91 yards for a touchdown against the Houston Texans on January 3, 2010. He finished the season starting five of 14 games played, recording three interceptions, 35 tackles, and eight passes defensed.


Personal
Butler is the cousin of Baltimore Ravens running back Willis McGahee, and the nephew of former New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins safety Gene Atkins.