Super Bowl Mystery: Malcolm Butler's Benching Still Unexplained

Three years after his game-winning Super Bowl XLIX interception, Butler was mysteriously benched by Bill Belichick in Super Bowl LII, a decision that still confuses Patriots fans.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 10:55am

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Malcolm Butler was the hero of Super Bowl XLIX, making a game-winning interception to seal the Patriots' victory. But in 2017, just three years later, Belichick benched Butler for the entire Super Bowl LII game against the Eagles, a decision that still baffles fans and players alike. Butler played a significant role for the Patriots throughout the 2016 season and playoffs, but Belichick opted to start Eric Rowe over him in the big game, a move that contributed to the Patriots' 44-33 loss. Butler and his teammates have expressed confusion over the decision, with Butler saying he could have changed the outcome of the game. Belichick has remained tight-lipped about his reasoning, leaving the mystery unsolved.

Why it matters

Butler's benching in the Super Bowl was a highly controversial and perplexing decision that still divides Patriots fans. It was a pivotal moment in the team's history, as the defense struggled without their star cornerback on the field. The incident has sparked debates about Belichick's coaching style and decision-making, as well as questions about whether the team would have won the Super Bowl if Butler had played.

The details

In the 2016 season, Butler played in all 16 regular season games, starting 15, and was a key part of the Patriots' defense. He had 60 combined tackles, 12 passes defended, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Butler also played in all three playoff games that year. However, in Super Bowl LII, Belichick decided to bench Butler, giving the starting job to Eric Rowe. The Patriots' defense struggled mightily, surrendering 538 total yards to the Eagles' offense. Butler was surprised by the decision and expressed his belief that he could have changed the outcome of the game.

  • In 2014, Butler made the game-winning interception against the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX.
  • In 2016, Butler played a significant role for the Patriots throughout the season and playoffs.
  • In Super Bowl LII in 2017, Belichick benched Butler for the entire game.

The players

Malcolm Butler

A former cornerback for the New England Patriots who made the game-winning interception in Super Bowl XLIX, but was mysteriously benched by Bill Belichick in Super Bowl LII.

Bill Belichick

The head coach of the New England Patriots, known for his defensive expertise, who made the controversial decision to bench Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl LII.

Tom Brady

The quarterback of the New England Patriots, who gave his MVP truck to Malcolm Butler as a thank you for helping the team win Super Bowl XLIX.

Robert Kraft

The owner of the New England Patriots, who was reportedly not made aware of the situation before the Super Bowl LII game.

Eric Rowe

The cornerback who started in place of Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl LII.

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What they’re saying

“They gave up on me. F---. It is what it is. I don't know what it was. I guess I wasn't playing good or they didn't feel comfortable. I don't know. But I could have changed that game.”

— Malcolm Butler

“It sucked for him. He put a lot of time and effort in. However it falls, the last thing you want to do is not play a snap. To me, the worst part was to see all that [anonymous] stuff come out after.”

— Devin McCourty, Teammate of Malcolm Butler

“Love you Malcolm. You are an incredible player and teammate and friend. Always!!!!!”

— Tom Brady

What’s next

The leading theories about the reasons for Butler's benching, including disciplinary issues and a bad week of practice, have never been confirmed by Belichick or the team. The mystery around this decision continues to linger, and fans are still hoping for a clear explanation from the Patriots' head coach.

The takeaway

Bill Belichick's decision to bench Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl LII remains one of the most puzzling and controversial moves of his coaching career. The incident highlights Belichick's unwavering commitment to his own decision-making, even when it goes against the expectations of players and fans. The lasting impact of this decision is a testament to the enduring legacy of Butler's heroics in Super Bowl XLIX and the unanswered questions that still surround his mysterious benching.