REMEMBER WHEN MALCOLM BUTLER......

"The Butler Did It" - artwork by Joy Manning

Chances are good, that although I'm not a famous or very good painter, you know what's going on in the painting above.  Since you are reading a Boston sports blog, that play probably made your day.  It was at that point "Malcolm Butler" became a household name in New England for generations to come. So what else has gone on with #21 since that day?

TWITTER FOLLOWS ARE THROUGH THE ROOF-  Immediately following the pick, Butler had 722 followers on twitter.  Yes, I was one of those 722 followers long before Superbowl Sunday.  About 13 hours later he had over 13,000 followers and had earned his check mark.  Now, he's knocking on the door of 100,000.

Malcolm Butler's twitter immediately following the interception.

Butler's twitter page the morning after the interception.

Butler's twitter a week after the interception.

Malcolm Butler's twitter page today. 1/20/16

PUNISHED BY BELICHICK- What?  You don't remember when he showed up late to Foxboro for OTAs?  Belichick held him out of practice for three weeks and the NFLPA filed a grievance on behalf of Butler (not at his request).  Come on, surely you remember hearing about how arrogant Belichick was and how he should have been kissing his butt after saving the game.  Maybe you don't remember this because Butler was a true Patriot during the incident.  He didn't want to talk about it and only told people that he was glad to be back out there and just trying to get better. 

So what was he doing when he wasn't allowed on the field with his teammates?  According to comments he made at the time, he was in the weight room and watching film.  Let that sink in for a little bit.  While the other guys were outside going through typical football drills (getting their athletic ability assessed), Malcolm was watching film.  I'm starting to wonder if this "punishment" wasn't just Belichick showing his brilliance once again.  Face it, Butler isn't playing like a second year player who was an UFA out of Division II University of West Alabama.  Not knocking on Division II programs, but Butler was only there for two years as he was playing at Hinds Community College before that.  

2015 ACCOLADES-  While most football fans thought that Butler was just going to be a one hit wonder, he showed up to the 2015 NFL season ready to play.  Instead of being a new guy coming off the bench, he was the #1 corner in New England.  No more Revis or Browner on the roster, Butler was put in position to be the man.  Would he sink?  Would he swim? Considering he made his first Pro Bowl, I think he's a swimmer.

SURE TACKLER-  Besides the fact that he seems to be an awesome, humble guy, I love the fact that he is such a good tackler.  Yes, sometimes during a game I get frustrated when his guy catches the ball for a first down and he appears to be playing behind him.  Then four plays later we are fielding a punt and I'm grateful that he didn't sell out on the earlier play and give up a touchdown.  One of the things I notice every game that never seems to get mentioned is how good he is at getting back into the play when his duties as cornerback appear to be over.  If you have a chance, watch some of the games from this season and pay attention to how he is always around the ball carrier.

If you like what you've read here, share with your friends and follow @BOSsportschick on twitter