After seven years in the NFL and attempts to extend his time in the league, Malcolm Butler has elected to end his career. The veteran cornerback confirmed Saturday that he has retired (video link via KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson).
Butler most recently played in 2020, which marked the end of his three-year run with the Titans. He was released by Tennessee following that season, and his efforts to continue playing included a deal with the Cardinals. Before the start of the 2021 campaign, however, the former UDFA retired in a surprise decision, citing personal reasons.
He returned to NFL action the following summer, suiting up with the Patriots in the 2022 preseason. New England released Butler from injured reserve, paving the way for him to catch on with a new team. A Dolphins visit ensued, but the West Alabama product ultimately did not catch onto Miami’s roster or any other. Butler was healthy once again as of last February, but he will forego another attempt to find a role in favor of shifting his attention elsewhere.
Of course, Butler will best be remembered for his four-year tenure in New England to begin his career. That stretch was highlighted by the championship-clinching interception at the end of Super Bowl XLIX. Butler was a member of two title-winning Patriots squads (although his decorated playoff tenure with the team also includes the loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII, in which he unexpectedly played only a single special teams snap).
Now 34, Butler noted he is “satisfied” with his career, which spanned 112 regular and postseason games. He added he has a book planned for the near future amongst a number of post-playing endeavors. In addition to his two Super Bowl rings Butler will exit the NFL with roughly $45M in career earnings.
More must-reads: