Butler Accepts Invite to Play in 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee defensive lineman Matthew Butler has accepted an invitation to play in the 2022 East-West Shrine Bowl.

Butler is the fourth UT player in the last five years to be selected to play in the Shrine Bowl, joining former teammates Ethan Wolf (2018), Kyle Phillips (2019) and Dominick Wood-Anderson (2020). The super senior is the third Vol so far this season to earn an invite to a postseason all-star game, joining Alontae Taylor and Velus Jones Jr., who will both partake in the Reese’s Senior Bowl.

Vols DL Matthew Butler / Credit: UT Athletics

The Shrine Bowl, America’s longest-running college football all-star game, which supports Shriners Children’s®, will be played on Feb. 3, 2022, at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders as part of NFL Pro Bowl week.

Butler has put together the best season of his collegiate career this year, setting career highs in tackles (43), tackles for loss (8.5) and sacks (5). The Raleigh, North Carolina, native’s five sacks rank second on the team while his 8.5 TFLs rank second among defensive linemen and fourth overall on the squad.

Butler, who has played in 52 games and made 25 starts throughout his time on Rocky Top, was recently named a second team CoSIDA Academic All-American, as well.

For more information on the East-West Shrine Bowl, click HERE.

Bowl Game & 2022 Season Ticket Info
Tennessee will conclude its 2021 campaign with a trip to Nashville for the TransPerfect Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 at Nissan Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. ET and tickets can be purchased by visiting the Music City Bowl’s website or by clicking HERE.

Existing season ticket holders can renew their tickets for the 2022 season now by visiting AllVols.com. Fans wishing to purchase new season tickets for the 2022 season can submit a request by clicking HERE.

2021 Tennessee Postseason Honors

P Paxton Brooks
CoSIDA Academic All-American – First Team
CoSIDA Academic All-District III – First Team
Phil Steele All-SEC – Fourth Team (Punter)

DL Matthew Butler
East-West Shrine Bowl Invitee
CoSIDA Academic All-American – Second Team
CoSIDA Academic All-District III – First Team

QB Hendon Hooker
Phil Steele All-SEC – Fourth Team (Quarterback)

DB Theo Jackson
Coaches All-SEC – Second Team (Defensive Back)
Phil Steele All-SEC – Fourth Team (Safety)

WR/RS Velus Jones Jr.
Phil Steele All-American – Third Team (Punt Returner)
SEC Co-Special Teams Player of the Year
Coaches All-SEC – First Team (All-Purpose, Return Specialist)
AP All-SEC – First Team (All-Purpose)
Phil Steele All-SEC – First Team (Kick Returner), Second Team (Punt Returner), Third Team (Wide Receiver)
Reese’s Senior Bowl All-American (Punt Returner)
Reese’s Senior Bowl Invitee

OL Cade Mays
Coaches All-SEC – Second Team (Offensive Line)
AP All-SEC – Second Team (Offensive Line)
Phil Steele All-SEC – Third Team (Offensive Tackle)

DB Alontae Taylor
Phil Steele All-SEC – Fourth Team (Corner Back)
Reese’s Senior Bowl Invitee

WR Cedric Tillman
Phil Steele All-SEC – Second Team (Wide Receiver)

DL Byron Young
Phil Steele All-SEC – Fourth Team (Defensive End)