The Seattle Seahawks were just a yard away from the end zone, looking to take the lead over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl 49. When Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson tried to connect with wide receiver Ricardo Lockette, Patriots defensive back Malcolm Butler stepped in and intercepted the pass in the end zone.
There were 20 seconds left in the game when Butler did the unthinkable, putting his name into Super Bowl lore forever. The Patriots, behind Tom Brady’s four touchdown passes, held off the Seahawks 28-24. After his NFL career ended, Butler did not fade into obscurity. He found a new purpose, giving back to younger football players.
What Is Super Bowl 49 Hero Malcolm Butler Doing Today?
Fans looking for Butler on an NFL coaching staff will be disappointed — at least briefly. Butler is active as a coach, but in the high school ranks.
Butler, a native of Vicksburg, Miss., is currently a defensive backs coach for St. Thomas High School in Houston. He has not let his NFL highlight go to his head. He is known for giving back to the community, even donating clothes to Goodwill.
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“I’m just very competitive. … it’s something I love to do, giving back to the universe, giving back to the kids, keeping yourself busy,” Butler said in an interview with The Sporting News. “You never know what football will take you. It took me far. Just to inspire other kids to be great men. I love the game.
“I considered going to another level [of coaching]. But we’ll just see how it plays out,” Butler said. “I gotta give me a high school grade first.”
Besides playing for the Patriots, Butler also spent time with the Tennessee Titans. He signed a contract with the Arizona Cardinals but retired before the team’s roster-cut deadline.
Butler also had a taste of the college football world recently. He worked with the Ohio State Buckeyes alongside defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, who coached Butler when both were with the Patriots.
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These days, Butler appears content with his life as a high school coach. Yet he knew that once the Patriots and Seahawks were set for a rematch in Super Bowl 60, his phone would buzz often. And it has, putting him back into the NFL conversation once more.
