Arizona Cardinals cornerback Malcolm Butler. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Malcolm Butler considering retirement over personal issue

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 8/30/21

Malcolm Butler has been away from the Arizona Cardinals for a week and is now considering retirement, according to a report.

NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo reported on Monday that Butler is going through a personal issue. The issue has led Butler to consider retirement or time off from football.

“He is going through a personal situation right now. And part of that situation led him to be away from the facility within the last week for a period of time. He is still trying to work his way through that. Retirement or stepping away from the game is on the table for Malcolm Butler,” Garafolo said.

Garafolo added that the Cardinals had no comment and that Butler’s agent was unreachable.

Breaking news from @NFLTotalAccess: #AZCardinals CB Malcolm Butler is dealing with a personal situation that has him mulling retirement, sources tell me. pic.twitter.com/GIo6j7MRQX

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) August 30, 2021

NFL reporter Josina Anderson added that the Cardinals have no clue what is going on with Butler.

Team source confirms that #Cardinals CB Malcolm Butler is contemplating retirement, as @MikeGarafolo reported. This particular source said they learned a couple of days ago and added "we don't have a clue why." When I asked what is the plan from here, they replied, "keep going."

— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) August 30, 2021

Butler, 31, signed a 1-year deal with the Cardinals in March. He had four interceptions and a career-high 100 tackles for Tennessee last season. He is best known for his Super Bowl heroics with the Patriots, though he left the team in infamy.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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