Huskers.com
Christian Jones, a senior at Omaha Westside, has received the 2024 Butkus Award®, honoring the nation’s top prep linebacker. The award was presented formally during a surprise appearance by Matt Butkus, son of linebacker legend Dick Butkus, who would have celebrated his 82nd birthday on Monday.
The 6-3, 215-lb. senior stood out as an outside linebacker for the 12-1 state finalist Omaha Westside Warriors. On the field this season, Jones had 96 total tackles, 70 solo, 16 tackles for loss, three sacks, three forced fumbles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a TD in the state championship game. He also played wide receiver and special teams. Jones also participated in track and field events for Omaha Westside.
The Butkus Award Selection Committee said, “Christian Jones is a disruptive force on the football field. He displays excellent instincts, strikes with power and made his impact felt in all phases of the game. He excels in coverage and is a complete linebacker whose effort consistently shows up all over the field.”
Omaha Westside head coach Paul Limongi said: “Christian had a fantastic high school career. He was a four-year starter at linebacker and always got the job done at extremely high level. Christian was fast, explosive, and tough. In addition, he was an excellent teammate and leader who always brought out the best in people. Christian is truly one of the best players I ever coached.”
Other 2024 prep finalists included; runner-up Noah Mikhail, Bonita, La Verne, Calif.; Madden Faraimo, J Serra Catholic, San Juan Capistrano, Calif; Riley Pettijohn, McKinney, Tex.; and Nasir Wyatt, Mater Dei, Santa Ana, Calif.
The Butkus Award selection committee focuses on qualities that defined Dick Butkus’ career: toughness, on-field leadership, competitiveness, football character and linebacking skills.
A Butkus Award celebration featuring the 2024 winners is planned Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Memorial Stadium at the University of Illinois, where the Award’s namesake the late Dick Butkus established his legendary career. The celebration will be featured in the Butkus Award special airing on the Big Ten Network in February 2025. More information will be at available www.butkusfoundation.org.
Last season’s high school winner was Sammy Brown of Jefferson, Ga. (now Clemson), the collegiate winner was Payton Wilson of North Carolina State (now Pittsburgh Steelers), and the pro winner was Roquan Smith of the Baltimore Ravens, who also won the pro award in 2022 and the collegiate award in 2017.
About the Butkus Award: Founded in 1985, the Butkus Award honors linebackers at three levels while supporting causes important to the Butkus family. Causes include Butkus Takes Heart™ initiative encouraging early cardiovascular screening among adults, and the I Play Clean® initiative encouraging athletes to train naturally without performance-enhancing drugs. The Butkus Foundation has presented the high school and professional awards since 2008. The collegiate award is now in its 40th season.