Keith Butler excelled in football from his days at Terry Heights Elementary School and Chapman Middle School until his playing career climaxed as a member of the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League. Keith played his high school football for Coach Keith Wilson at Lee High School. While at Lee, Keith earned All-City Honors twice (1972 and 1973) and All-Tennessee Valley Honors once (1973). After graduating from Lee, Keith signed a scholarship to play football at Memphis State University (now the University of Memphis). At Memphis State, he was named to the All-Independent Team three times (1975, 1976, 1977) and earned All-American honors following his senior year (1977). His team mates at Memphis State voted Keith the teams Most Valuable Player in 1977. Keith was selected in the 2nd round of the NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. He was named to the NFL All-Rookie Team in 1978, and finished his 10 year career with Seattle as the franchises 2nd leading career tackler. In 1989, Keith assumed his current job as special teams coordinator and outside linebackers coach for the University of Memphis.