In the twilight of a brilliant career, and coming off shoulder injury that limited him to just nine games in 2001, Green Bay Packers strong safety LeRoy Butler has agreed to a two-thirds salary reduction for the 2002 season.

As reported by the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, and confirmed by ESPN.com, the 12-year veteran will have his base salary slashed from $2.25 million to $750,000 for 2002. It marks the second consecutive season in which Butler, 33, has agreed to reduce his salary by $1 million or more. The $750,000 base salary is the league minimum for a player of Butler's tenure.

The restructuring will permit Butler to earn back $750,000 of the compensation forfeited by reaching certain predetermined playing time incentives.

"It just shows again what a great team player he is," agent Gene Burrough said. "He'll do whatever it takes to help out."

Butler is under contract through 2005, although it is unlikely he will still be playing then, and almost certainly will make similar sacrifices if his career continues beyond this year. His base salaries for future years are scheduled to be $3.5 million (for 2002), $4 million (2003) and $5 million (2005). In addition there are roster bonuses of $1.15 million ('03), $2.5 million ('04) and $5 million ('05), due each April 1 of those seasons.

Butler sustained a fractured left scapula last November, snapping a streak of 116 straight appearances by the four-time Pro Bowl performer, and relegating the usually durable safety to the injured reserve list for the balance of the season. He has not yet been cleared to participate in spring drills and, while Butler's rehabilitation seems to be on course, his availability for the beginning of training camp has not yet been established.

The former Florida State star, who has spent his entire career in Green Bay after the club made him a second-round choice in the 1990 draft, needs to play in all 16 games in 2002 to break Bart Starr's franchise record for most appearances. He currently ranks fourth on the team's all-time list, behind Starr (196), Ray Nitschke (190) and Forrest Gregg (187).

His resume includes 181 games and 165 starts, with 953 tackles, 38 interceptions, 130 passes defensed and 20½ sacks.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.