The Underdog Journey of Josh Butler: From Grief to the NFL
JOSH BUTLER CAN hear the roar of the crowd from the tunnel, and so can his dogs. It’s Senior Day at Michigan State, Nov. 30, 2019, and Spartan Stadium is alive with 51,366 fans cheering for their players. But for Butler, this day is bittersweet. He’s not walking out with his parents like most of his teammates. Instead, he’s holding the leashes of his two dogs, Roxy and Remi, who have been his lifeline through unimaginable loss.
As they step onto the field, Butler worries about how his dogs will react to the noise and chaos. But instead of fear, Roxy and Remi embrace the moment, bouncing around like they’ve been waiting for this spotlight their whole lives. Butler can’t help but laugh at their diva-like energy. For a moment, the weight of his grief lifts, and he’s just a guy with his dogs, soaking in the love of the crowd.
A Viral Moment Born from Heartbreak
Butler’s walk with Roxy and Remi goes viral, touching hearts across the nation. The world learns about his parents’ deaths—his father from a heart attack and his mother from terminal cancer. But what the world doesn’t know is the deeper story of how these two dogs became his saviors during the darkest times of his life.
Roxy, a pitbull, and Remi, a brindle boxer mix, are more than pets to Butler. They’re his family. On days when grief threatens to paralyze him, they pull him out of bed, literally yanking at his sheets until he gets up. They’ve been his constant companions, offering unconditional love and support when he needed it most.
The Healing Power of Pets
Studies have shown that pets can have remarkable effects on mental and physical health. According to UCLA Health, interacting with animals releases oxytocin, a chemical that fosters social bonding. Pets can lower anxiety, reduce blood pressure, and even decrease the need for pain medication. Erin Rice, director of UCLA’s People-Animal Connection program, says it best: “They are unconditional love and support. Who else is that excited to see you?”
Butler didn’t know he’d need this kind of support when he adopted Roxy in 2017. A teammate, Darien Tipps-Clemons, had texted a group of Michigan State players asking if anyone wanted a puppy. Butler immediately said yes, not knowing how much this little dog would change his life.
From Texas to Michigan: A Journey of Growth
Growing up in Mesquite, Texas, Butler’s home life was turbulent. His parents often clashed, and he spent much of his high school years living with friends and relatives. Determined to escape the chaos, Butler chose Michigan State for college, far enough from home to start fresh.
As a redshirt freshman in 2015, Butler began to make his mark on the football field. By 2017, he was poised for a breakout season. But tragedy struck when his father, Steven, passed away from a heart attack. Despite his grief, Butler chose to play in a crucial game against Penn State, honoring what he believed his father would have wanted. However, the weight of his loss eventually became too much, and he stepped away from the game temporarily.
Roxy to the Rescue
During this time, Roxy became Butler’s anchor. Her playful energy and unconditional love helped him navigate his grief. Long walks with her became his therapy, and her presence gave him a reason to keep going. By the spring of 2018, Butler was ready to return to football and life, more open and vulnerable than before.
But just as he was finding his footing, another tragedy struck. His mother, Ladrida Bagley, was diagnosed with cancer and later arrested for her involvement in a botched robbery that resulted in a man’s death. She passed away in April 2018, leaving Butler to grapple with a complex mix of emotions.
A New Chapter with Remi
In 2019, Tipps-Clemons reached out again with news that Flocko, the father of Roxy’s litter, had sired another batch of puppies. Butler didn’t hesitate to adopt one, bringing Remi into his life. The two dogs quickly bonded, and their playful antics became a source of joy for Butler.
That same year, Butler’s Senior Day moment with Roxy and Remi captured the hearts of fans and went viral. But despite his success on the field, he went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. For two years, he pursued his football dreams while building a social media following with his dogs, amassing millions of followers on TikTok and Instagram.
A Comeback Story
In 2023, Butler’s persistence paid off when he received a call from the Michigan Panthers of the USFL. He seized the opportunity, proving himself as a versatile and reliable player. His performance caught the attention of the Dallas Cowboys, who signed him to their practice squad later that year.
Butler’s journey came full circle when he made his NFL debut with the Cowboys in 2024. In a standout game against Washington, he recorded 12 tackles, one sack, and three pass deflections. However, his season was cut short by a torn ACL during a Thanksgiving game against the Giants.
The Road Ahead
Despite the setback, Butler remains determined to return stronger. With Roxy and Remi by his side, he’s ready to tackle whatever challenges come his way. “Dallas has a lot of tough memories for me,” he says. “But it also is home. And now I have a chance to make some new, good memories here with the Cowboys.”
Josh Butler’s story is one of resilience, love, and the unbreakable bond between a man and his dogs. As he prepares for his next chapter, one thing is certain: with Roxy and Remi in his corner, he’s never truly alone.
Originally Written by: Peter Yang
