![]() For the first time since at least 2009, Patriots Nation needed to acknowledge that this cannot go on forever. After 10 years of just missing that elusive fourth ring, the world finally saw Tom Brady and the Patriots dynasty look mortal. Perhaps this is what sets Super Bowl XLIX apart from the other championships. For a heartbreaking moment, it truly looked like New England’s hero finally lost his battle with Father Time. Just months before Butler’s magical interception, a “washed-up” Tom Brady was benched in an absolute blowout against the Kansas City Chiefs. It’s crazy to think about now, but at one time it looked like Brady might retire with just three rings and five Super Bowl appearances. The New England Patriots are currently preparing to play in their third Super Bowl since that magical play. Last Word on the Malcolm Butler Interception While his Patriots tenure ended on a low note, there’s no denying he’s one of the most impactful players in recent Patriots history, and not just for that one play. Somehow not letting the overnight fame get to his head, Butler ended up starting the next three years in New England, playing at a near-elite level in 20. The spotlight wasn’t too bright for the West Alabama product, as Butler held his own in coverage even before the interception. Of course, all the coaching in the world wouldn’t matter if Butler wasn’t up for the task. The Patriots truly leave no stone unturned, as even the fifth-string cornerback was practicing that route. As wonderfully documented, New England expected Seattle to run a pick play if they made it down to the goal line. What’s more impressive is that Butler was prepared to be out there in the first place. ![]() Despite this, the Patriots put their faith in the undrafted rookie. The undrafted rookie played in just under 17% of defensive snaps and was inactive in the AFC Championship Game. At the time, Butler was clearly at the bottom of the cornerback depth chart. At halftime, New England sent Arrington to the bench, moved Brandon Browner onto Matthews, and put Butler on Kearse. Kyle Arrington had a terrible game and couldn’t cover up Seahawks wide receiver Chris Matthews. The fact Butler was in the game at all was a testament to the back-and-forth nature of this instant classic. A Testament to the Coaches and the Player Instead of yet another tired narrative about missing the latest title, Brady was paraded with chants of “greatest ever” while accepting his fourth Super Bowl MVP trophy. Because of Butler’s play, everyone remembered Tom Brady’s heroic fourth-quarter efforts which gave New England the lead in the first place. With just one play, Butler put an end to the incessant crowd of Patriots haters screaming about Spygate. Instead of losing a last-second Super Bowl in Arizona again, Butler gave New England their first championship since 2004. That is, of course, until Butler flipped the script two plays later. The Patriots lost back-to-back Super Bowls on ridiculous last-second catches, and it looked like the trend would continue. For the third time in as many appearances, the football gods spit in New England’s face. The game was all but over when Wilson found Jermaine Kearsedown the sideline for a 33-yard gain. Russell Wilson and the Seattle offense charged down the field, much like Eli Manning and the New York Giants did all those years ago. However, Brady and the offense left too much time on the clock. Tom Brady erased a 10-point fourth quarter deficit with two straight touchdown drives to give New England the lead with just over two minutes to play. Time is a flat circle, and for a long time, it looked like history was about to repeat itself. Revisiting the Malcolm Butler Interception All looked lost until undrafted rookie Malcolm Butler jumped a pick route on second and goal, grabbing the interception and instantaneously turning certain defeat into arguably the greatest and most iconic victory in Super Bowl history. The clock slowly ticked away, as head coach Bill Belichick decided to bet on his defense instead of calling timeout. Akeem Ayers and Dont’a Hightower just combined to tackle running back Marshawn Lynch at the Patriots’ one-yard line. Four years ago today, the New England Patriots had the lead, but Seattle was on the verge of scoring the go-ahead touchdown in Super Bowl XLIX.
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