Athletic Hall of Fame

Richard A. "Butch" Palmer

Sport(s): Football

Graduating Class: 1994

Induction Class: 2026

Earned three varsity football letters as a cornerback (1991, 1992, 1993); Started 33 consecutive games for EMU and had 10 interceptions; Led EMU to victory over Western Michigan in 1991 by intercepting four passes and returning the final one for 76 yards; Named National Player of the Week for the EMU vs. WMU game by Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News; Finished the 1991 season with seven interceptions (tied for sixth nationally); Named First-Team All Mid-American Conference in 1991 and 1993; Earned distinguished scholar athlete status, being named Academic All-MAC three times; Selected MAC Defensive Player of the Week twice (1991 and 1993); Received the EMU Football Team Award: Elton J. Rynearson Scholar-Athlete Award in 1993; Ranks in the top 10 in both career and season for interceptions and interception return yards; Was also a member of EMUs men’s track team as a long jumper and triple jumper helping the team win three outdoor MAC Championships (1990, 1991, 1992); Selected as the MAC Humanitarian Award from Wolverine Human Services in 1993

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