The Patriots making it all the way to Super Bowl LX might be the most improbable part of their 2025 season, yet they are now two weeks away from hosting the Seahawks in a Super Bowl XLIX rematch 11 years in the making, exactly as we all predicted.
Although it was far from what anyone could have imagined this season would end, their rivalry from the start of the second half of the dynasty is certainly memorable, particularly since the Legion of Boom appeared set to take Seattle on their own winning legacy for years to come.
That was quickly ended, however, with Malcolm Butler's impeccably timed interception in the end zone to give the Patriots their first Super Bowl win in ten years, and now the should-have-been-MVP could be a big part of this year's Championship, too.
Malcolm Butler is a no-brainer decision for the Patriots to make their honorary captain for the Super Bowl
Even before it was clear that the Seahawks were going to win the NFC Championship and face the Patriots in Santa Clara, Patriots fans were already suggesting that the former cornerback should be the team's honorary captain for the Super Bowl in two weeks.
It comes on the heels of legendary kicker Adam Vinatieri serving that role against the Broncos in the AFC Championship, but Butler's history against the Seahawks makes him an even better option for their next game.
They're in a similar situation going into this game as they were in 2014: the Seahawks are favored, mainly due to their defense, but now Sam Darnold has made their offense more explosive than anyone could have imagined.
It'll be another tall task for the Patriots to take on, after facing three top-5 defenses in their road to the Super Bowl, and they will take on another in the Super Bowl.
Maybe the added good vibes from having Butler be the captain can give them an edge to get the job done, even if that is just a superstitious way of thinking about it.
But it only feels right that Butler be the honorary captain for this game, and Patriots fans will surely let the team know if they don't make it happen.