Cornerback Malcolm Butler could have won three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots if he played in Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles.
His presence on defense would have reduced the 41 points that Philadelphia scored to win the championship.
Instead, Butler ended up playing just one snap all game even though he was ready to play.
Worst yet, that possession was during special teams.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick never clarified Butler’s benching even if he was one of the team’s better players.
As a result, he left for the Tennessee Titans and retired with the Arizona Cardinals.
However, there’s an opportunity for Butler to regain his job back after J.C. Jackson joined the Los Angeles Chargers, as Pro Football Focus writer Ari Meirov pointed out.
Former #Patriots Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler is in New England today for a free agent visit his former team, per @BenVolin. Last memory of Butler in New England was him not playing in the Super Bowl vs. Philly.
RB Leonard Fournette is also visiting today, per @FieldYates.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 21, 2022
Meirov said, “Former #Patriots Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler is in New England today for a free agent visit his former team, per @BenVolin. Last memory of Butler in New England was him not playing in the Super Bowl vs. Philly. RB Leonard Fournette is also visiting today, per @FieldYates.”
Butler is attempting a comeback after leaving the game for personal reasons.
At 32 years old, he must prove that there’s much gasoline left in the tank before he potentially returns to the Patriots.
However, he at least deserves an explanation for his benching against Philadelphia.
From Bad To Great Memories
Aside from that questionable decision, Butler will forever be remembered for the game-clinching play he made against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX.
He intercepted a pass intended for Ricardo Lockette to preserve the Patriots’ 28-24 victory.
If Butler returns to New England, they hope that he can make more plays like those against the great quarterbacks in the AFC.
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