HINTON, W.Va. (Hinton News) – It’s not often that Hinton has the honor of hosting a professional athlete with such a transformative story. On April 23 at the Ritz Theatre (114 S. Ballengee St., Hinton), doors will open for an unforgettable evening with former Detroit Lions player turned author and advocate, Deon Butler. The main event begins at 6 p.m., where Butler will share his inspiring journey from the football field to literacy advocacy.
Butler recently spoke with Hinton News about the hidden struggle that defined much of his life. Despite graduating from both high school and college, Butler revealed he could only read at a fourth-grade level throughout his early adulthood. It wasn’t until age 27, spurred by the upcoming birth of his daughter, that he committed to learning to read through the Science of Reading and the Orton-Gillingham method. Once the world of words opened up to him, he described the sensation as “the coolest thing in the world.”
This personal breakthrough sparked a mission to help the millions of children and adults who remain “locked in a box” by illiteracy.
“All the kids that are in prison, and the people that fell through the system—people who are probably dyslexic or not—the science behind reading helps everyone,” Butler explained.
The impact of this work, he noted, has been even more profound than his time in the NFL. Butler shared that while playing professional football was a dream, seeing the relief on a child’s face when they realize they aren’t “dumb” is incomparable.
“To see the results was way better than the NFL,” Butler said. “I mean by that, see how kids felt like they were locked in a box? And now they’re able to openly admit that they struggle with reading due to the fact that I struggle with reading. I openly admit I struggle.”
Butler has since become a powerhouse in the legislative world, successfully working with Michigan’s governor to pass a $150 million dyslexia bill. He now travels the country, encouraging educators to take accountability and embrace evidence-based teaching methods. He expressed pride in the shifting tide of education, noting that when teachers admit they weren’t previously taught how to teach reading effectively, it opens the door for 100% of students to succeed rather than just 50%.
For those currently struggling, Butler’s advice is simple: seek help. He recommends starting with mastering alphabet sounds and diving into self-discovery books.
“With me, I wanted to be able to control my emotions. I wanted to be able to control my feelings. I wanted to learn how to meditate. So I read a lot of self-discovery and self-improvement books. That’s what I recommend,” he said.
This visit isn’t Butler’s first trip to the Mountain State, but it is one he looks forward to. An avid fan of fishing, he hopes to find a moment of peace by the West Virginia waters during his stay.
To hear Deon Butler speak on his advocacy work and to have a chance to win NFL gear, attend the event at the Ritz Theatre in Hinton on April 23 at 6 p.m. All are welcome to join this special evening of hope and transformation.
