Last week, Cardinals cornerback Malcolm Butler was placed on the reserve/retired list.
Appearing on The Greg Hill Show Tuesday morning, Bill Belichick was asked a two-part question about his former cornerback.
Malcolm Butler has announced his retirement from the NFL and he had maybe the biggest play in the history of the NFL with his interception in Super Bowl XLIX. Two-part question: Would you agree that was the biggest play in the history of the NFL? And two, was his benching in Super Bowl LII the biggest regret you’ve had as head coach in hindsight of the New England Patriots?
“Malcolm is a great story," Belichick said. "You’re talking about a kid who was undrafted, really couldn’t even get into a training camp and then when we brought him up here for rookie minicamp for a tryout — he wasn’t even signed when we brought him up here. To see the fact that he had talent and to see him grow and develop as a player, as a person, when he was here and what his four years of play meant to the organization is pretty impressive. There’s not a lot of guys who do what he does, although JC Jackson has followed a similar path, but that’s very unusual just in terms of playing time and all that.
“So, I always enjoyed coaching Malcolm. I have a lot of respect for the way he competed and what he did. Again, very similar to David Patten. Coming out of nowhere, establishing and having a really good NFL career. Ultimately, business is business and sometimes players move on for better opportunities like Malcolm did to Tennessee, or David Patten did when he signed in Washington. It’s just part of the NFL.
“In retrospect, again, looking back I always do what I feel is best for the football team and that is what I’ll continue to do. I try and look ahead and not back too much.”