Super Bowl hero had a lot to say about the Patriots

When the news broke that Malcolm Butler was returning to the Patriots for the 2022 season, shock and awe ran through New England. After his unprecedented benching for Super Bowl 52 and lack of clarity on the reasoning behind it since then, it seemed like a reunion between the two would never happen.

Although the news was exciting, and many were looking forward to seeing Butler suit up with New England again, it came to an abrupt halt when he was placed on injured reserve before the first roster cut-down deadline. That created drama because the designation essentially ended Butler’s season before it began, as players placed on IR before the final 53-man roster is created cannot play during the upcoming season.

Eventually, the team and Butler reached an injury settlement, opening the door for Butler to play elsewhere in 2022 if given the chance. That never came to fruition, however, which added more fuel to the speculated tension between him and the Patriots.

The Super Bowl 49 hero has remained mum on nearly all things Patriots-related over the years, but that changed last week when he was in town for the big game on Sunday.

Speaking to the crew from 98.5’s The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand show on Thursday, Butler was asked directly about SB 52 and if he even knew why he didn’t play while teasing a documentary he’s working on that will reveal a lot about that game.

"“Like I always say, man, it was a coaching decision. It was a coach’s decision. But I really don’t know, man. There’s a documentary coming out where I’m talking about all that. I did that with some of the guys in New England. And I’ve got a book coming out, also, so I ain’t going to spill the beans right now. But it’ll be something to look forward to.”"

When pressed for more insight into whether or not he received an explanation about the benching, especially since there have been so many theories floating around during the years, he revealed he still doesn’t have an answer.

"“I think [Belichick] only knows why. Because I don’t know why. It was a coach’s decision. I did play though. I had one punt return rep. But that wasn’t enough. See the thing about it like no, he didn’t give me an explanation. But all the rumors going around why I didn’t play, if I did something so bad, why did I come back?”"

In a follow-up to that response, Butler was asked if he felt his return to New England was more of a ‘thank you’ from Belichick for not publicly bashing him or the team in the years since his departure.

"“That probably could have been why. But I’m just going to be me anyway. I’m a respectable guy. I’m not going to bring no attention to myself if I don’t need to. But you never know who you’re going to meet or where you’ve got to go back to. You’re probably right. It was just a respect thing or whatever.”"

Fans and media have all speculated why the decision was made, from assuming it was Bill Belichick’s ruling to Matt Patricia holding a grudge and using the benching as a punishment. But the consensus remains the same; Malcolm Butler could have been a significant factor in the result of the game, potentially helping the Patriots win.

As for the future? Butler is continuing to work on his documentary and even writing a book, all while re-enrolling at West Alabama to finish his degree in physical education. In addition, he expressed a desire to play again in 2023 and hopes that will become a reality during the offseason.