Seven years have passed since Malcolm Butler's puzzling benching during the New England Patriots' Super Bowl LII defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles, and the accomplished cornerback continues to avoid discussing the situation in detail.
Butler, a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Patriots, including a memorable game-winning interception against the Seattle Seahawks, insists that his absence from the 2018 Super Bowl was simply a "coach's decision."
In a recent interview with 98.5 The Sports Hub, Butler reiterated, "It was a coach's decision. It's about loyalty. No one is trying to embarrass anyone. It is what it is."
During Super Bowl LII, Butler only saw action on special teams, never playing a single defensive snap. Numerous theories have circulated regarding Bill Belichick's decision to bench him, but Butler dismissed them all during the interview, including rumors of pre-game partying.
"A Super Bowl ring holds more value than a party," Butler stated. "I can party any time. In fact, I did last night. We're adults. We know when it's time to work and when it's not."
The mystery surrounding Butler's benching was also a topic of discussion in the Apple TV+ docuseries "Dynasty." Patriots owner Robert Kraft revealed he was informed the decision was not football-related.
"I was told there was a personal issue between Bill and Malcolm, unrelated to football," Kraft stated in the documentary. "I've always believed Bill's decisions prioritized the team's best interests, setting emotions aside. But with Malcolm, he deviated from that."
The following season, Butler joined the Tennessee Titans, playing under coach Mike Vrabel, a former Patriot. Butler praised Vrabel's coaching style, highlighting his player-centric approach.
"He's an excellent coach, a player's coach. He understands his players. He shares a similar philosophy with Bill Belichick, but with a touch more kindness," Butler remarked with a chuckle.
