When Super Bowl XLIX was on the line Sunday night, it was Butler's scrappy play, along with instincts and athleticism, that delivered a championship to New England for the first time since the 2004 season. Running back Brandon Bolden said he came up with it, and some teammates turned it into 'Scrap' because Butler was always scrapping for the ball.

In turning to the 5-foot-11, 190-pound Butler as their fifth defensive back in sub packages, they entrusted a player teammates call 'Strap' or 'Scrap,' depending on whom you ask.īutler picked up the nickname shortly after signing with the Patriots on May 19, after teammates noticed him putting the 'straps' on receivers on the practice field. The nickelback was having trouble matching the size and length of 6-foot-5, 218-pound receiver Chris Matthews on vertical routes. That all changed after the opening drive of the third quarter, when the Patriots' coaching staff inserted Butler into the game for Kyle Arrington. Not only was one of the heroes of Super Bowl XLIX a little-known player out of Division II West Alabama, but he also wasn't even part of the team's original championship game plan. He was part of a coaching adjustment that ultimately saved the team's heart-pounding, 28-24 victory over the Seattle Seahawks. On the 32nd defensive snap by the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLIX, undrafted rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler came on the field for the first time. Little-known Malcolm Butler an unlikely hero for Patriots You have reached a degraded version of because you're using an unsupported version of Internet Explorer.įor a complete experience, please upgrade or use a supported browser

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