Patriots Super Bowl hero looking to come out of retirement
One of the Patriots’ biggest Super Bowl hero is looking to come out of retirement. No, of course, it’s not Tom Brady (yet?). It’s cornerback Malcolm Butler, who retired before the start of the 2021 season, but now looks to mount a comeback
Ben Volin of the Boston Globe first reported Thursday night that Butler is “definitely” going to attempt a comeback in 2022. Butler spent 2021 training camp with the Arizona Cardinals, but his football career appeared over when he was placed on the reserve/retired list.
Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network later confirmed Volin’s report, and explained that the “one reason” a player would be granted his release from the reserve/retired list is to become a free agent and explore opportunities to return to football with a new team. Mike Giardi of the NFL Network also reported that Butler “has been working out diligently.”
Butler turns 32 years old on March 2. He last played in an NFL game on Jan. 10, 2021 for the Titans, in a wild card loss to the Ravens.
One of the most important players in Patriots franchise history, Butler is best known for his famous Super Bowl moments. He most notably intercepted Russell Wilson at the goal line to seal the Patriots’ win over the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX. But nationally, Butler may be better known for the Patriots’ loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII, when Bill Belichick mysteriously benched him on defense and played him for just one special teams snap.
Because of the mystifying way Butler’s Patriots tenure ended, it would be surprising if his comeback attempt would include a reunion with Belichick in New England. But if the past is the past and he’s open to anything, Butler’s familiarity with the Patriots – and for that mater, the Titans – would make him a good fit.
Butler becomes the third current or former Patriots cornerback to be on track for unrestricted free agency in 2022. J.C. Jackson and Stephon Gilmore are the other two.
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Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @mattydsays. You can also email him at [email protected].