Malcolm Butler

Butler was born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and has four siblings.{{Cite web |title=Malcolm Butler |url=http://www.patriots.com/team/roster/Malcolm-Butler/404b84ed-8a6b-41bb-87bb-109b1bb872f1 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202175719/http://www.patriots.com/team/roster/Malcolm-Butler/404b84ed-8a6b-41bb-87bb-109b1bb872f1 |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |website=Patriots.com}} He graduated from Vicksburg High School in 2009. As a senior, he averaged five tackles per game. Despite only playing football in his freshman and senior years at Vicksburg, Butler earned a scholarship to Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi.{{Cite web |last=Daniels |first=Mark |date=August 20, 2014 |title=Intangibles have helped Patriots' Malcolm Butler write his rags-to-riches story |url=http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/patriots/content/20140820-intangibles-have-helped-patriots-malcolm-butler-write-his-rags-to-riches-story.ece |access-date=November 5, 2018 |website=The Providence Journal |archive-date=October 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181001071912/http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/patriots/content/20140820-intangibles-have-helped-patriots-malcolm-butler-write-his-rags-to-riches-story.ece |url-status=dead }} Butler also participated in track and field at Vicksburg, where he competed in sprints and jumps. He had personal bests of 12.07 seconds in the 100-meter dash, 1.83 meters (6'0") in the high jump, and 6.92 meters (22'8.5") in the long jump.{{Cite web |title=Malcolm Butler - Feed |url=https://ms.milesplit.com/athletes/679605-malcolm-butler/feed |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=MileSplit Mississippi |language=en |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309034652/https://ms.milesplit.com/athletes/679605-malcolm-butler/feed |url-status=live }}

In his 2009 freshman year at Hinds Community College, Butler recorded 22 tackles and one interception, but was kicked off the team after the fifth game of the season. He transferred to Alcorn State University{{Cite news |date=February 20, 2015 |title=Hometown eager to celebrate Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler |work=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=12352400 |access-date=February 20, 2015 |archive-date=February 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220174652/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nfl&id=12352400 |url-status=live }} before being invited back to Hinds Community College in 2011, and as a sophomore recorded 43 tackles, three interceptions, and 12 broken-up passes.

In 2012, Butler enrolled at the University of West Alabama, majoring in physical education. He started all 12 games that fall for the Division II Tigers. He finished the 2012 season with 49 tackles, 43 solo, five interceptions (including three in one game against West Georgia), and averaged a team-leading 29.8 yards per kickoff return. In 2013, Butler was named a Beyond Sports Network All-American after recording 45 tackles, two interceptions, and one blocked field goal, and averaging 27.9 yards on kickoff returns during the season. He played in the 2014 Medal of Honor Bowl, a postseason all-star game, registering a solo tackle and an interception.{{Cite web |date=January 11, 2014 |title=Scoring Summary (Final) |url=http://www.mohbowl.com/pdfs/Medal%20of%20Honor%20Bowl%20Stats.pdf |access-date=January 16, 2018 |website=mohbowl.com |archive-date=January 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180117132131/http://www.mohbowl.com/pdfs/Medal%20of%20Honor%20Bowl%20Stats.pdf |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Former MOH Bowl Player Quotes |url=http://www.mohbowl.com/ |access-date=January 16, 2018 |website=mohbowl.com |archive-date=January 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103193341/http://www.mohbowl.com/ |url-status=live }}

{{nfl predraft

| height ft = 5

| height in = 9 3/4

| weight = 187

| dash = 4.62

| ten split = 1.62

| twenty split = 2.75

| shuttle = 4.27

| cone drill = 7.20

| vertical = 33.5

| broad ft = 9

| broad in = 10

| bench = 13

| wonderlic =

| arm span = 31 1/8

| hand span = 9 1/2

| note = All values are from Alabama’s Pro Day{{Cite web |title=Malcolm Butler, West Alabama, CB, 2014 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football |url=https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=129122&DraftYear=2014 |access-date=February 6, 2018 |website=DraftScout.com |archive-date=April 26, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426185530/https://draftscout.com/dsprofile.php?PlayerId=129122&DraftYear=2014 |url-status=live }}

}}

Butler received an invitation to attend the New England Patriots’ rookie minicamp. On May 19, 2014, the New England Patriots signed Butler to a three-year, $1.53 million contract after he impressed coaches with his performance during rookie minicamp.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=May 19, 2014 |title=Rookies Butler and McCuller join Patriots |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4763138/rookies-butler-and-mcculler-join-patriots |access-date=September 1, 2014 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305082143/http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4763138/rookies-butler-and-mcculler-join-patriots |url-status=live }} During training camp, Butler competed for a roster spot against Dax Swanson, Justin Green, and Jemea Thomas.{{Cite web |last=Kyed |first=Doug |date=July 29, 2014 |title=Daxton Swanson Returns To Patriots Training Camp After Father Passes Away |url=https://nesn.com/2014/07/daxton-swanson-returns-to-patriots-training-camp-after-father-passes-away/ |access-date=December 17, 2018 |website=NESN.c |archive-date=December 18, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218010356/https://nesn.com/2014/07/daxton-swanson-returns-to-patriots-training-camp-after-father-passes-away/ |url-status=live }} Butler had an impressive preseason and earned a roster spot as the sixth cornerback on the Patriots’ depth chart. Head coach Bill Belichick named him the sixth cornerback, behind Darrelle Revis, Alfonzo Dennard, Logan Ryan, Kyle Arrington, and Brandon Browner.{{Cite web |title=Outlads.com: New England Patriots Depth Chart: 10/01/2014 |url=https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/164/NE |access-date=December 17, 2018 |website=Ourlads.com |archive-date=December 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181217202443/https://www.ourlads.com/nfldepthcharts/archive/164/NE |url-status=live }}

Butler made his NFL debut in the season opener at the Miami Dolphins and made two solo tackles during their 20–33 loss.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins - September 7th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070mia.htm |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228173138/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201409070mia.htm |url-status=live }} He was inactive for three games as a healthy scratch (Weeks 5–7) after Alfonzo Dennard returned from injury.{{Cite web |title=Patriot's Inactives vs. Bengals: Hightower Out |url=https://www.patspulpit.com/2014/10/5/6915541/patriots-inactives-vs-bengals-hightower-out |access-date=December 17, 2018 |website=PatsPulpit.com |date=October 5, 2014 |archive-date=July 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180701002011/https://www.patspulpit.com/2014/10/5/6915541/patriots-inactives-vs-bengals-hightower-out |url-status=live }} On November 2, 2014, Butler collected a season-high four solo tackles and deflected a pass as the Patriots defeated the Denver Broncos 43–21 in Week 9.{{Cite web |title=Denver Broncos at New England Patriots - November 2nd, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411020nwe.htm |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 4, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201004032740/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201411020nwe.htm |url-status=live }} He was inactive for another two games (Weeks 12–13) as a healthy scratch. On December 14, 2014, Butler earned his first NFL start and recorded two combined tackles during a 41–13 victory against the Dolphins.{{Cite web |title=Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots - December 14th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412140nwe.htm |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309041128/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412140nwe.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 17, he collected a season-high five combined tackles during a 17–9 loss against the Buffalo Bills.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots - December 28th, 2014 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412280nwe.htm |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309040852/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201412280nwe.htm |url-status=live }} He finished his rookie season in 2014 with 15 combined tackles (14 solo) and three pass deflections in 11 games and one start.{{Cite web |title=Malcolm Butler 2014 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/ButlMa01/gamelog/2014/ |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 30, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171230123013/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/ButlMa01/gamelog/2014/ |url-status=live }}

The Patriots finished atop the AFC East with a 12–4 record and received a first-round bye.{{Cite web |title=2014 NFL Standings & Team Stats |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/index.htm |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=August 21, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180821093910/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2014/index.htm |url-status=live }} On January 10, 2015, Butler appeared in his first NFL playoff game as the Patriots defeated the Baltimore Ravens 35–31 in the AFC Divisional Round.{{Cite web |title=Divisional Round - Baltimore Ravens at New England Patriots - January 10th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201501100nwe.htm |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226021752/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201501100nwe.htm |url-status=live }} The following week, he made one tackle as the Patriots defeated the Indianapolis Colts 45–7 during the AFC Championship Game.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship - Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots - January 18th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201501180nwe.htm |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201134029/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201501180nwe.htm |url-status=live }}

On February 1, 2015, Butler and the Patriots appeared in Super Bowl XLIX against the defending champion Seattle Seahawks and Butler began the game as the fifth cornerback on the Patriots’ depth chart.{{Cite web |last=Haugh |first=David |date=February 2, 2015 |title=Unlikely Super Bowl stars provide a lesson about player evaluation |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-haugh-super-bowl-malcolm-butler-spt-0203-20150202-column.html |access-date=November 5, 2018 |website=Chicago Tribune |archive-date=November 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106092947/https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-haugh-super-bowl-malcolm-butler-spt-0203-20150202-column.html |url-status=live }} Butler entered the game in the third quarter at nickelback after Kyle Arrington struggled to cover Chris Matthews. At the point Butler was inserted in the line-up, Seattle had scored on four straight offensive possessions. Butler was assigned to cover Jermaine Kearse with Brandon Browner covering Chris Matthews. On a first down, Seattle handed off to Marshawn Lynch; Butler made the initial tackle and Lynch was held to two yards. On the next play, Russell Wilson completed a pass to Kearse, and Butler made the tackle, holding the Seahawks to a five-yard gain. On the third down with three yards, Wilson threw deep to Kearse and Butler broke up the pass, forcing Seattle to punt. Seattle did not score again.

With under a minute left in the fourth quarter, Butler continued to cover wide receiver Jermaine Kearse and deflected a 33-yard pass by Russell Wilson. The deflected ball landed on Kearse as he fell to the ground and allowed him to juggle the ball and to complete the reception in what was described as one of the greatest catches in Super Bowl history.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=February 2, 2015 |title=Little-known Malcolm Butler an unlikely hero for Patriots |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4777713/malcolm-butler-an-unlikely-hero |access-date=February 2, 2015 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=February 12, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160212151910/http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4777713/malcolm-butler-an-unlikely-hero |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Folck |first=Josh |date=February 2, 2015 |title=Super Bowl 2015: Unlikeable New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks combine to put on a classic |url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/02/super_bowl_2015_unlikable_new.html |access-date=November 5, 2018 |website=LehighValleyLive.com |archive-date=August 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805052515/https://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2015/02/super_bowl_2015_unlikable_new.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2015 |title=Inside the play that sealed the New England Patriots' Super Bowl win |url=https://calgaryherald.com/sports/football/nfl/inside-the-play-that-sealed-the-new-england-patriots-super-bowl-win |access-date=November 5, 2018 |website=Calgary Herald |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107053557/https://calgaryherald.com/sports/football/nfl/inside-the-play-that-sealed-the-new-england-patriots-super-bowl-win |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=February 1, 2015 |title=Who stole Seattle's Super Bowl? Butler did it |url=http://www.roanoke.com/sports/who-stole-seattle-s-super-bowl-butler-did-it/article_9923528e-1a1f-5804-95d1-58f19c604c4a.html |access-date=November 5, 2018 |website=The Roanoke Times |location=Roanoke, Virginia |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=March 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317021810/https://roanoke.com/sports/who-stole-seattle-s-super-bowl-butler-did-it/article_9923528e-1a1f-5804-95d1-58f19c604c4a.html |url-status=live }} After recognizing that Kearse had made the catch and was not down by contact, Butler pushed Kearse out of bounds at the five-yard line.

Two plays later, with 20 seconds remaining and the Seahawks in position to score on the Patriots' one-yard line, Butler intercepted a pass attempt to wide receiver Ricardo Lockette at the goal line, returning possession to the Patriots and maintaining the Patriots' 28–24 lead. Butler said that he had guessed correctly that Wilson would throw to Lockette, having read the Seahawks two-receiver stack formation. "From preparation, I remembered the formation they were in ... I just beat him to the route and made the play."{{Cite web |last=Britton |first=Tim |date=February 1, 2015 |title=Unlikeliest hero: Malcolm Butler seals the deal with late interception |url=http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/patriots/content/20150201-unlikeliest-hero-malcolm-butler-seals-the-deal-with-late-interception.ece |access-date=November 5, 2018 |website=The Providence Journal |location=Providence, Rhode Island|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218054502/https://www.providencejournal.com/sports/patriots/content/20150201-unlikeliest-hero-malcolm-butler-seals-the-deal-with-late-interception.ece| archive-date=December 18, 2018}} Butler gave credit to Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia for preparing players well for the game.{{Cite news |last=Young |first=Shalise Manza |date=February 2, 2015 |title=Patriots rally to beat Seahawks in Super Bowl |work=Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/02/02/pats/RP2vhxQY25ctecKH9DcnOM/story.html |access-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202164416/http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/02/02/pats/RP2vhxQY25ctecKH9DcnOM/story.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Volin |first=Ben |date=February 2, 2015 |title=Patriots' defense writes alternate ending for Super Bowl |work=Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/02/02/defense-writes-alternate-ending-for-super-bowl/PqUNwXPyaoSMLPokxj037N/story.html |access-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-date=February 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150202164445/http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/02/02/defense-writes-alternate-ending-for-super-bowl/PqUNwXPyaoSMLPokxj037N/story.html |url-status=live }} The interception was the first of Butler's NFL career.{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2015 |title=Malcolm Butler's goal-line interception gives Pats Super Bowl XLIX title |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400749027 |access-date=November 5, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=April 2, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160402015716/http://scores.espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=400749027 |url-status=dead }} It was the only interception of a pass attempt from the one-yard line during the 2014 NFL season, out of 109 such attempts.{{Cite web |date=February 2, 2015 |title=Inside Seattle's decision to pass from the 1 |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/102175/inside-seattles-decision-to-pass-from-the-1 |access-date=November 5, 2018 |website=ESPN.com |format=ESPN Stats & Info |archive-date=July 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160726054756/http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/102175/inside-seattles-decision-to-pass-from-the-1 |url-status=live }}

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, who received a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado as part of his Super Bowl XLIX MVP Award, said he planned to give the truck to Butler.{{Cite web |last=Schechter |first=Lee |date=February 3, 2015 |title=Brady to give MVP truck to Butler |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/12272310/tom-brady-new-england-patriots-plans-give-mvp-truck-malcolm-butler |access-date=March 8, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100527/http://espn.go.com/boston/nfl/story/_/id/12272310/tom-brady-new-england-patriots-plans-give-mvp-truck-malcolm-butler |url-status=live }}{{cite web | url=http://media.weei.com/a/101536604/tom-brady-on-his-4th-super-bowl-title-2-3-15.htm|website=WEEI 93.7FM |date=February 3, 2015 |title=Interview: Tom Brady joined us to discuss his 4th Super Bowl win|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117031111/http://media.weei.com/a/101536604/tom-brady-on-his-4th-super-bowl-title-2-3-15.htm |archive-date=November 17, 2015}} At the request of Brady, Chevrolet awarded the truck directly to Butler.{{Cite web |last=Breech |first=John |date=February 6, 2015 |title=Chevy giving Tom Brady's MVP truck directly to Malcolm Butler |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25061417/chevy-giving-tom-bradys-mvp-truck-directly-to-malcolm-butler |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150210031909/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25061417/chevy-giving-tom-bradys-mvp-truck-directly-to-malcolm-butler |archive-date=February 10, 2015 |website=CBSSports.com}}

Following the departures of Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, and Kyle Arrington, Butler was promoted to a starting cornerback position at the start of the 2015 season. During Week 2, against the Buffalo Bills, Butler caught his first regular-season interception and returned it to the Bills 30-yard line.{{Cite web |title=LOOK: Butler does it again, snags diving INT in Bills' Super Bowl |url=http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25309824/look-patriots-malcolm-butler-is-good-at-making-absurd-interceptions|author=Wilson, Ryan|website=CBS Sports | date=September 20, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015430/http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25309824/look-patriots-malcolm-butler-is-good-at-making-absurd-interceptions|archive-date=November 17, 2015}} On November 15, Butler was matched up against New York Giants' Odell Beckham Jr., who made four catches for 104 yards and a touchdown on twelve targets.{{Cite web |last=Reiss |first=Mike |date=November 16, 2015 |title=Malcolm Butler rises up in challenge against Odell Beckham Jr. |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4787582/malcolm-butler-rises-up-in-challenge-against-odell-beckham-jr |access-date=March 8, 2023 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=March 6, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306235034/http://espn.go.com/blog/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4787582/malcolm-butler-rises-up-in-challenge-against-odell-beckham-jr |url-status=live }} Butler made a strip of Beckham in the end zone when it looked like Beckham had secured possession of the football for a touchdown. The touchdown, which would have given the Giants the lead with 1:45 to play, was nullified by the officials and helped the Patriots hold the Giants to a field goal, after which Stephen Gostkowski kicked a 54-yard field goal for the Patriots to win with 1 second remaining.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at New York Giants - November 15th, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511150nyg.htm |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 2, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180302001443/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511150nyg.htm |url-status=live }} The next week, Butler held Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins to 39 yards on three catches.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots - November 23rd, 2015 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511230nwe.htm |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=May 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510234231/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201511230nwe.htm |url-status=live }} Overall, Butler led all Patriots in total snaps, and was the only Patriot defensive player to play more than 90 percent of defensive snaps in 2015.{{Cite web |title=FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis {{!}} NFL SNAP COUNTS |url=http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/snapcounts |access-date=February 5, 2016 |website=www.footballoutsiders.com |archive-date=January 29, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129093418/http://www.footballoutsiders.com/stats/snapcounts |url-status=live }} As a result of his high snap count and low salary, Butler received a performance-based pay bonus of $319,282.65, the highest of any Patriot in 2015 and the fifth-highest in the league.{{Cite web |last=Inabinett |first=Mark |date=March 20, 2016 |title=Low-pay, high-snap NFL players receive extra income |url=https://www.al.com/sports/2016/03/low-pay_high-snap_nfl_players.html |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=AL.com |language=en |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309040400/https://www.al.com/sports/2016/03/low-pay_high-snap_nfl_players.html |url-status=live }}

On December 22, 2015, Butler was named to the 2016 Pro Bowl.{{Cite web |date=December 22, 2015 |title=2016 Pro Bowl roster |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/2016-pro-bowl-roster-0ap3000000607625 |access-date=November 5, 2017 |website=NFL.com |language=en |archive-date=February 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180203170302/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000607625/article/2016-pro-bowl-roster |url-status=live }}

In the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on September 11, Butler broke up a potential touchdown pass to Michael Floyd in the fourth quarter.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Arizona Cardinals - September 11th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609110crd.htm |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 1, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170901070132/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201609110crd.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 7, against the Pittsburgh Steelers, he notched his first interception, picking off a pass from backup quarterback Landry Jones intended for wide receiver Antonio Brown.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at Pittsburgh Steelers - October 23rd, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610230pit.htm |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226021115/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201610230pit.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 11, against the San Francisco 49ers, Butler recorded his first career NFL sack against Colin Kaepernick.{{Cite web |title=New England Patriots at San Francisco 49ers - November 20th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611200sfo.htm |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171226021351/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201611200sfo.htm |url-status=live }} In Week 13, against the Los Angeles Rams, Butler intercepted rookie quarterback Jared Goff for his second interception of the season.{{Cite web |title=Los Angeles Rams at New England Patriots - December 4th, 2016 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201612040nwe.htm |access-date=December 29, 2017 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=December 28, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171228173143/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201612040nwe.htm |url-status=live }} Against the New York Jets in Week 16 on Christmas Eve, Butler had the first multi-interception game of his career: he picked off both Bryce Petty and Ryan Fitzpatrick and also recovered a fumble. Butler was named second-team All-Pro by Pro Football Focus and the Associated Press.{{Cite web |date=January 6, 2017 |title=Three rookies, Matt Ryan among players named to All-Pro team |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/three-rookies-matt-ryan-among-players-named-to-all-pro-team-0ap3000000770458 |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=June 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180617193111/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000770458/article/three-rookies-matt-ryan-among-players-named-to-allpro-team?campaign=Twitter_atn |url-status=live }} On February 5, 2017, Butler won his second Super Bowl championship as the Patriots defeated the Atlanta Falcons in overtime by a score of 34–28 in Super Bowl LI. In the game, Butler had two total tackles.{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LI - New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons - February 5th, 2017 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201702050atl.htm |access-date=September 2, 2017 |website=Pro-Football-Reference.com |archive-date=August 7, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170807022152/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201702050atl.htm |url-status=live }}

Butler was ranked 99th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2017.{{Cite web |title=2017 NFL Top 100 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106081444/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/awards/2017-nfl-top-100.htm |url-status=live }}

Set to be a restricted free agent, the Patriots gave Butler a first-round tender worth $3.91 million on March 7, 2017.{{Cite web |last=Rosenthal |first=Gregg |date=March 7, 2017 |title=Patriots extend first-round tender to Malcolm Butler |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/patriots-extend-first-round-tender-to-malcolm-butler-0ap3000000791223 |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=August 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812095617/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000791223/article/patriots-extend-firstround-tender-to-malcolm-butler |url-status=live }} On April 18, 2017, Butler officially signed his tender with the Patriots.{{Cite web |last=Wesseling |first=Chris |date=April 18, 2017 |title=Malcolm Butler signs Patriots' first-round tender |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/malcolm-butler-signs-patriots-first-round-tender-0ap3000000800805 |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=September 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916095249/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000800805/article/malcolm-butler-signs-patriots-firstround-tender |url-status=live }}

After the Patriots signed former Bills' cornerback Stephon Gilmore to a five-year $65 million contract, Butler was demoted to the No. 2 starting cornerback after sitting atop the depth chart the previous two seasons. He started 15 games, recording 60 tackles, 12 passes deflected, two interceptions, and three forced fumbles.{{Cite web |title=Malcolm Butler 2017 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/ButlMa01/gamelog/2017/ |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308215356/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/ButlMa01/gamelog/2017/ |url-status=live }}

On January 21, 2018, the Patriots won the AFC Championship to advance to the Super Bowl for the third time in Butler's career.{{Cite web |title=AFC Championship - Jacksonville Jaguars at New England Patriots - January 21st, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801210nwe.htm |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180124142601/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201801210nwe.htm |url-status=live }} Butler and the Patriots lost Super Bowl LII to the Philadelphia Eagles, 41–33. Butler did not play any defensive snaps in the game, only coming in for a single play on special teams.{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |author-link=Mike Florio |date=February 4, 2018 |title=Belichick confirms Butler's absence was coach's decision |url=http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/02/04/belichick-confirms-butlers-absence-was-coachs-decision/ |access-date=November 6, 2018 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US |archive-date=August 13, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180813072421/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/02/04/belichick-confirms-butlers-absence-was-coachs-decision/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Super Bowl LII - Philadelphia Eagles vs. New England Patriots - February 4th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201802040nwe.htm |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 1, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180301125909/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201802040nwe.htm |url-status=live }}

After the game, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick said his lack of playing time was a "coach's decision," not due to disciplinary issues.{{Cite web |last=Gasper |first=Christopher L. |date=November 7, 2018 |title=Bill Belichick's decision on Malcolm Butler appears prescient now |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/11/07/bill-belichick-decision-malcolm-butler-appears-prescient-now/9UgbbrqzbPhcZIpzGfr8OJ/story.html |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=BostonGlobe.com |language=en-US |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309040153/https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/11/07/bill-belichick-decision-malcolm-butler-appears-prescient-now/9UgbbrqzbPhcZIpzGfr8OJ/story.html |url-status=live }} When asked about the benching, Butler stated "I don't know what it was. I guess I wasn't playing good or they didn't feel comfortable. I don't know. But I could have changed that game."{{Cite news |last1=Bieler |first1=Des |last2=Boren |first2=Cindy |date=February 5, 2018 |title='They gave up on me': Patriots' Malcolm Butler laments surprise Super Bowl benching |language=en-US |newspaper=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2018/02/05/they-gave-up-on-me-patriots-malcolm-butler-laments-surprise-super-bowl-benching/ |access-date=February 5, 2018 |issn=0190-8286 |archive-date=February 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180205101200/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2018/02/05/they-gave-up-on-me-patriots-malcolm-butler-laments-surprise-super-bowl-benching/ |url-status=live }} By the following morning, reports claimed that Belichick acknowledged a "much longer discussion" could occur regarding Butler's absence on defense from the game.{{Cite web |last1=Kirshner |first1=Alex |last2=Lyles |first2=Harry Jr. |date=February 19, 2018 |title=Why did the Patriots bench Malcolm Butler? Here's everything we know |url=https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/2/4/16971954/malcolm-butler-injury-updates-sick-super-bowl-2018 |access-date=November 5, 2018 |website=SBNation.com |archive-date=September 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916130308/https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2018/2/4/16971954/malcolm-butler-injury-updates-sick-super-bowl-2018 |url-status=live }} Patriots beat writer Kevin Duffy revealed that Butler was demoted in practice during the Wild Card round of the playoffs, during which the Patriots had a bye week. Later in the week, Butler released a statement regarding his benching for the game.{{Cite news |last=Princiotti |first=Nora |date=February 6, 2018 |title=Malcolm Butler Releases Statement on Super Bowl Benching |work=The Boston Globe |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/02/06/malcolm-butler-releases-statement-super-bowl-benching/RIaGX1fbehyoHHLKaXfqLP/story.html |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=September 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916130424/https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/patriots/2018/02/06/malcolm-butler-releases-statement-super-bowl-benching/RIaGX1fbehyoHHLKaXfqLP/story.html |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last1=Bonesteel |first1=Matt |last2=Boren |first2=Cindy |date=February 7, 2018 |title=Tom Brady sides with Malcolm Butler in dispute over Bill Belichick's Super Bowl benching |newspaper=The Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2018/02/06/the-bill-belichickmalcolm-butler-super-bowl-story-now-has-hints-of-a-perfect-storm/ |access-date=November 5, 2018 |archive-date=November 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181103104020/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2018/02/06/the-bill-belichickmalcolm-butler-super-bowl-story-now-has-hints-of-a-perfect-storm/ |url-status=live }} It was also revealed that owner Robert Kraft was not informed ahead of time regarding Butler being benched.{{Cite magazine |last=Breer |first=Albert |date=February 7, 2018 |title=Not Even Robert Kraft Knew About the Malcolm Butler Benching |url=https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/02/07/malcolm-butler-benching-super-bowl-52-new-england-patriots-owner-robert-kraft |access-date=November 6, 2018 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-date=September 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916130312/https://www.si.com/nfl/2018/02/07/malcolm-butler-benching-super-bowl-52-new-england-patriots-owner-robert-kraft |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Sessler |first=Marc |date=March 30, 2018 |title=Malcolm Butler: Patriots 'probably' win SB had I played |url=https://www.nfl.com/news/malcolm-butler-patriots-probably-win-sb-had-i-played-0ap3000000924032 |access-date=November 6, 2018 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=November 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181107025710/http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000924032/article/malcolm-butler-patriots-probably-win-sb-had-i-played |url-status=live }}

File: Malcolm Butler 2018 08-09.jpg

On March 15, 2018, Butler signed a five-year, $61 million contract with the Tennessee Titans with $30 million guaranteed, reuniting him with former Patriots teammate Logan Ryan.{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=Jim |date=March 15, 2018 |title=Titans Reach Deal with Former Patriots CB Malcolm Butler |url=https://www.titansonline.com/news/titans-reach-deal-with-former-patriots-cb-malcolm-butler-20453339 |access-date=March 8, 2023 |website=TitansOnline.com |archive-date=April 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402022801/https://www.titansonline.com/news/titans-reach-deal-with-former-patriots-cb-malcolm-butler-20453339 |url-status=live }}

In the season-opener against the Miami Dolphins, Butler had his first interception of the season by picking off Ryan Tannehill in the third quarter in the end zone and returning the interception 34 yards. The Titans lost by a score of 27–20.{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins - September 9th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201809090mia.htm |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180920234806/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201809090mia.htm |url-status=live }} During a Week 4 26–23 overtime victory against the Philadelphia Eagles, Butler had his first sack of the season against Carson Wentz.{{Cite web |title=Philadelphia Eagles at Tennessee Titans - September 30th, 2018 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201809300oti.htm |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=May 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501154635/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201809300oti.htm |url-status=live }} Overall, Butler struggled mightily in the first half of the season, but he got better as the season progressed. During a Week 13 matchup against the New York Jets, Butler intercepted Josh McCown in the final seconds, thus sealing a 26–22 victory for the Titans.{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=Jim |date=December 3, 2018 |title=The Butler Did It: Titans CB Malcolm Butler Seals Win With INT |url=https://www.titansonline.com/news/the-butler-did-it-titans-cb-malcolm-butler-seals-win-with-int |access-date=March 8, 2023 |website=TitansOnline.com |archive-date=December 3, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181203222523/https://www.titansonline.com/news/the-butler-did-it-titans-cb-malcolm-butler-seals-win-with-int |url-status=live }} Three weeks later against the Washington Redskins, Butler scored his first NFL touchdown after he intercepted Josh Johnson and returned it 56 yards.{{Cite web |last=Wilson |first=Ryan |date=December 22, 2018 |title=Titans vs. Redskins final score, takeaways: Late turnovers lift Tennessee despite big night from Washington offense |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/titans-vs-redskins-final-score-takeaways-late-turnovers-lift-tennessee-despite-big-night-from-washington-offense/ |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930175933/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/titans-vs-redskins-final-score-takeaways-late-turnovers-lift-tennessee-despite-big-night-from-washington-offense/ |url-status=live }}

Butler finished his first season with the Titans with a career-high 69 tackles, 12 pass deflections, three interceptions, a sack, and a touchdown.{{Cite web |title=Malcolm Butler 2018 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/ButlMa01/gamelog/2018/ |access-date=September 30, 2019 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=September 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930175811/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/ButlMa01/gamelog/2018/ |url-status=live }}

File:Malcolm Butler 2019 10-13.jpg

During the season-opener against the Cleveland Browns, Butler intercepted Baker Mayfield and returned it for a 38-yard touchdown in the 43–13 road victory.{{Cite web |date=September 8, 2019 |title=Mariota, Titans sack Mayfield, hyped Browns 43-13 in opener |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127928 |access-date=September 8, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=September 9, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909065639/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401127928 |url-status=live }} During Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Butler recorded his second interception of the season by picking off Jameis Winston in the 27–23 victory.{{Cite web |date=October 27, 2019 |title=Titans force 4 turnovers by Winston, hold off Tampa Bay |url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128048 |access-date=October 27, 2019 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=October 29, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191029182641/https://www.espn.com/nfl/recap?gameId=401128048 |url-status=live }} In the next game against the Carolina Panthers, he suffered a broken wrist in the second quarter. The Titans lost on the road 20–30. Butler was placed on injured reserve on November 5, 2019.{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=Jim |date=November 5, 2019 |title=Titans Place CB Malcolm Butler on Injured Reserve, and Re-Sign CB Tye Smith |url=https://www.titansonline.com/news/titans-place-cb-malcolm-butler-on-injured-reserve-and-re-sign-cb-tye-smith |access-date=November 5, 2019 |website=TitansOnline.com |archive-date=November 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105222348/https://www.titansonline.com/news/titans-place-cb-malcolm-butler-on-injured-reserve-and-re-sign-cb-tye-smith |url-status=live }} Without Butler, the Titans finished 9–7 for the fourth consecutive year and lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship.{{Cite web |title=2019 Tennessee Titans Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/2019.htm |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200105220653/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/oti/2019.htm |url-status=live }}

In Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills, Butler recorded two interceptions off of passes thrown by Josh Allen during the 42–16 win.{{Cite web |title=Buffalo Bills at Tennessee Titans - October 13th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010130oti.htm |access-date=October 11, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024025947/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202010130oti.htm |url-status=live }} Butler got his third interception of the season by picking off Mike Glennon in a 31–10 Week 14 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.{{Cite web |last=Davenport, Turron |date=December 14, 2020 |title=Titans' defense shores up season-long vulnerabilities in win over Jaguars |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/tennessee-titans/post/_/id/30687/titans-defense-shores-up-season-long-vulnerabilities-in-win-over-jaguars |access-date=December 17, 2020 |website=ESPN.com |archive-date=December 18, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201218060747/https://www.espn.com/blog/tennessee-titans/post/_/id/30687/titans-defense-shores-up-season-long-vulnerabilities-in-win-over-jaguars |url-status=live }} In Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers, Butler recorded his fourth interception of the season off a pass thrown by Aaron Rodgers during the 14–40 loss.{{Cite web |title=Tennessee Titans at Green Bay Packers - December 27th, 2020 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012270gnb.htm |access-date=December 30, 2020 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110210308/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202012270gnb.htm |url-status=live }} He finished the 2020 season with 100 total tackles (86 solo), four interceptions, and 14 passes defended in 16 games and starts.{{Cite web |title=Malcolm Butler 2020 Game Log |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/ButlMa01/gamelog/2020/ |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=March 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230308215348/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/B/ButlMa01/gamelog/2020/ |url-status=live }}

In the Wild Card Round of the playoffs against the Baltimore Ravens, Butler intercepted a pass thrown by Lamar Jackson during the 13–20 loss.{{Cite web |title=Wild Card - Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans - January 10th, 2021 |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202101100oti.htm |access-date=January 10, 2021 |website=Pro Football Reference |language=en |archive-date=January 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111154633/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/202101100oti.htm |url-status=live }}

On March 10, 2021, the Titans released Butler.{{Cite web |last=Wyatt |first=Jim |date=March 10, 2021 |title=Titans Release Safety Kenny Vaccaro, Cornerback Malcolm Butler |url=https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-release-safety-kenny-vaccaro-cornerback-malcolm-butler |website=TennesseeTitans.com |accessdate=March 10, 2021 |archive-date=March 10, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210310210141/https://www.tennesseetitans.com/news/titans-release-safety-kenny-vaccaro-cornerback-malcolm-butler |url-status=live }}

On March 30, 2021, Butler signed a one-year contract with the Arizona Cardinals.{{Cite web |last=Urban |first=Darren |date=March 25, 2021 |title=Cardinals Agree To One-Year Deal With Malcolm Butler |url=https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-agree-to-one-year-deal-with-malcolm-butler |access-date=March 8, 2023 |website=Arizona Cardinals |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206232551/https://www.azcardinals.com/news/cardinals-agree-to-one-year-deal-with-malcolm-butler |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=2021 NFL Transactions: Signings – March |url=https://www.nfl.com/transactions/league/signings/2021/3 |access-date=March 30, 2021 |website=NFL.com |archive-date=March 30, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210330182625/https://www.nfl.com/transactions/league/signings/2021/3 |url-status=live }}

On August 31, 2021, Butler decided to retire for personal reasons. The Cardinals placed Butler on the reserve/retired list on the same day.{{Cite web |last=Brandt |first=David |date=August 31, 2021 |title=Cardinals place CB Malcolm Butler on reserve/retired list |url=https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-nfl-new-england-patriots-super-bowl-aeed6a4d55be3747f207f81a4912f082 |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=AP NEWS |language=en |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309035002/https://apnews.com/article/entertainment-sports-nfl-new-england-patriots-super-bowl-aeed6a4d55be3747f207f81a4912f082 |url-status=live }} On February 18, 2022, the Cardinals formally released Butler.{{Cite web |last=DeArdo |first=Bryan |date=February 17, 2022 |title=Cardinals release Malcolm Butler from reserve/retired list; veteran CB reportedly considering a comeback |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cardinals-release-malcolm-butler-from-reserveretired-list-veteran-cb-reportedly-considering-a-comeback/ |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |language=en |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309035055/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/cardinals-release-malcolm-butler-from-reserveretired-list-veteran-cb-reportedly-considering-a-comeback/ |url-status=live }}

Butler signed a two-year contract with the New England Patriots on March 24, 2022, coming out of retirement.{{Cite web |date=March 23, 2022 |title=Patriots Sign CB Malcolm Butler To 2-Year Deal |url=https://nesn.com/bets/2022/03/patriots-sign-cb-malcolm-butler-to-2-year-deal/ |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=NESN.com |language=en-US |archive-date=March 9, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309034811/https://nesn.com/bets/2022/03/patriots-sign-cb-malcolm-butler-to-2-year-deal/ |url-status=live }} He was placed on injured reserve on August 16, 2022.{{Cite web |date=August 16, 2022 |title=Patriots Place CB Malcolm Butler and CB Joejuan Williams on Injured Reserve; Release Rookie P Jake Julien |url=https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-place-cb-malcolm-butler-and-cb-joejuan-williams-on-injured-reserve-rele |access-date=March 8, 2023 |website=Patriots.com |archive-date=November 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123233553/https://www.patriots.com/news/patriots-place-cb-malcolm-butler-and-cb-joejuan-williams-on-injured-reserve-rele |url-status=live }} He was released on August 25, 2022.{{Cite web |last=Sullivan |first=Tyler |date=August 25, 2022 |title=Patriots release Malcolm Butler off injured reserve; cornerback now a free agent |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/patriots-release-malcolm-butler-off-injured-reserve-cornerback-now-a-free-agent/amp/ |access-date=March 9, 2023 |website=CBSSports.com |archive-date=November 8, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221108110528/https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/patriots-release-malcolm-butler-off-injured-reserve-cornerback-now-a-free-agent/amp/ |url-status=live }}

Butler announced his retirement from professional football on March 9, 2024.{{Cite web |last=DeArdo |first=Bryan |date=March 10, 2024 |title=Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler retires; ex-Patriots CB shares plans for life after football, including book |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/super-bowl-hero-malcolm-butler-retires-ex-patriots-cb-shares-plans-for-life-after-football-including-book/ |access-date=March 10, 2024 |website=CBS Sports}}

Police and court records show the recently retired NFL{{Cite web |last=Tenser |first=Phil |date=2024-03-26 |title=Patriots Super Bowl hero arrested on suspicion of drunk driving |url=https://www.wcvb.com/article/malcolm-butler-dui-arrest-rhode-island-patriots/60309528 |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=WCVB |language=en}} star was arrested in North Providence, Rhode Island on March 16, 2024 and charged March 21 with one count of driving under the influence.{{Cite web |last=Klein |first=Asher |date=2024-03-26 |title=Former Patriots star Malcolm Butler arrested on DUI charge in RI |url=https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/former-pats-star-malcolm-butler-arrested-on-dui-charge-in-ri/3319748/ |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=NBC Boston |language=en-US}} The arresting officer reported that he had observed a "strong odor of alcoholic beverage coming from his breath." According to the police report, Butler was also "sweating profusely" and had "extremely slurred and delayed speech along with severely bloodshot watery eyes." When asked if he had been drinking, Butler replied "Just take me to jail" and refused to take either a field sobriety test or breathalyzer.{{Cite web |last=Toole |first=Mike |date=2024-03-26 |title=Malcolm Butler arrested for drunk driving in Rhode Island, allegedly told police "just take me to jail" - CBS Boston |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/malcolm-butler-arrested-drunk-driving-north-providence-rhode-island-new-england-patriots/ |access-date=2024-06-04 |website=CBS News - Boston |language=en-US}}

In February 2017, The Hollywood Reporter published an article stating that the production company Narrative Capital had acquired the rights to the story of Butler and his agent Derek Simpson for a film tentatively titled The Secondary.{{Cite web |last=Siegal |first=Tatiana |date=February 15, 2017 |title=New England Patriots Super Bowl Hero's Life Story to Be Told in Biopic (Exclusive) |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/malcolm-butler-biopic-will-tell-life-story-super-bowl-hero-975885 |access-date=February 15, 2017 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en |archive-date=February 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215182856/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/malcolm-butler-biopic-will-tell-life-story-super-bowl-hero-975885 |url-status=live }}

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• {{Cite news |last=Bowers |first=Rachel |date=July 25, 2018 |title=Read the exchange between Bill Belichick and Dan Shaughnessy about Malcolm Butler's benching |work=Boston.com |url=https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2018/07/25/bill-belichick-dan-shaughnessy-about-malcolm-butlers-benching |access-date=August 14, 2018}}

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• [http://www.uwaathletics.com/roster.aspx?rp_id=1844 West Alabama Tigers bio]

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Category:1990 births

Category:Living people

Category:Alcorn State University alumni

Category:American football cornerbacks

Category:Hinds Community College alumni

Category:Hinds Eagles football players

Category:New England Patriots players

Category:Players of American football from Vicksburg, Mississippi

Category:Tennessee Titans players

Category:Unconferenced Pro Bowl players

Category:University of West Alabama alumni

Category:West Alabama Tigers football players

Category:Arizona Cardinals players