About Us

Duane Butler, a native of Ohio, graduated from Trotwood-Madison High School in 1992 and from Illinois State University in 1997. As a student athlete, Mr. Butler anchored the Redbirds Football team’s defence and special teams from the 1994-1997 seasons as a three time All Conference defensive back.

The youngest of three children being raised in a single parent home with dreams of attaining a higher education and pursing “the dream”, Duane began showing a natural talent for football. He was encouraged to attend youth football camps and at the age of 11 his journey began.

Duane attended Trotwood-Madison High. While there, he was a three time All-Conference selection and selected First Team All-Ohio as a Defensive Back receiving a full ride Scholarship to Illinois State University. Duane graduated with a Bachelor of Science and was the team captain ranking fifth on the career tackle list and was a three time All Conference Selection at Free Safety. Duane’s success provided him with a 10-year career as a professional football player in the NFL, XFL and CFL. A true journeyman, football has afforded Duane to travel the world and experience the extraordinary. His success and passion for football is credited to the coaches that mentored and moulded him as a youth athlete.

During Duane's professional career he has contributed as a play maker in 1 NFC championship game, 2 NFC divisional playoff games, 3 Grey Cups and 2 Eastern Conference Finals. He was also the Alouettes' most outstanding defensive player and still holds the CFL record for most sacks in one game. Butler led his team in tackles in the XFL as a corner back and played 2 seasons in NFLEurope. Duane also had the pleasure of playing under coaching greats such as Dennis Green, Ron Lancaster and Don Matthews.

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DBFA began in 2006 when CFL player Duane Butler of the Montreal Alouettes stayed in Canada for his offseason. During that time he participated in volunteer youth football activities. Mr. Butler frequently visited the USA to participate in similar activities and got the idea that Canadian youth athletes would benefit from similar experiences and exposure.

DBFA began to hold small events at Assumption Catholic Secondary School in Burlington, Ontario, searching for serious youth football athletes to take across the border to compete. DBFA would simply ask some of Mr. Butler’s co-workers to assist with the events at the time. This was a great asset for the quality of instruction that the participants would receive.

Today, DBFA continues to host extraordinary events. DBFA also collaborates with internationally recognized youth football entities by bringing them into Canada to assist in the development of Canadian youth football.

Learn about upcoming Youth Football Events by registering for a DBFA INSIDER membership.