Malcolm Butler has spoken — with a Tom Brady endorsement.
The star Patriots cornerback who shockingly did not play a single defensive snap in the loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII addressed the rumors Tuesday surrounding coach Bill Belichick’s decision to bench him for the first time this season. The lengthy statement also read like a farewell address, indicating Butler, who is set to be an unrestricted free agent, could be ready to sign with a new team in the offseason.
“During my four year career with [the] Patriots I have always given it everything I have to play at a high level, and would never do anything to hurt my teams’ chances of winning a game, including this year’s Super Bowl where I visited my family every night,” Butler wrote in a social media post. “During Super Bowl week I never attended any concert, missed curfew, or participated [in] any of the ridiculous activities being reported. They are not only false, but hurtful, to me and my family.
“Although I wish I could have contributed more to help my team win, I have to get ready for the next opportunity. Moving forward I will do what I have always done to work hard, and prepare for next season to be the best I can be on and off the field.”
Butler was denying a handful of reports that surfaced after the game, including NFL Network’s Monday that explained the benching as a result of a combination of factors: illness, a bad week of practice and a violation of a team curfew rule.
Brady, who did his part in the Patriots’ bid for a second-straight Super Bowl win by throwing for a record 505 yards, showed his appreciation for Butler in a comment on the post. The two have been teammates for four seasons, including for their win over the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX, which Butler sealed with a last-minute interception.
“Love you Malcolm,” Brady responded. “You are an incredible player and teammate and friend. Always!!!!!!”
With internal tensions flaring after the loss, Belichick expanded slightly on his reason for keeping Butler off the field, conceding Monday there were “a lot of things” that went into the decision. Butler’s absence was apparent Sunday night, with the Eagles shredding the Patriots for 613 total yards and 41 points, the most a New England defense has allowed in the Super Bowl under Belichick.
The 27-year-old apologized for letting his frustration get the best of him after the game, when he told reporters the Patriots “gave up on me. F–k it. It is what it is.”
“Finally, I want to apologize to any offended by language reported immediately after the game during a very emotional time,” Butler wrote. “It was out of character for me and my character, and heart with Gods’ help is what got me to where I am today.”
Butler used the first paragraph of the post to thank the team and express his respect for all involved, including Belichick.