What Did Malcolm Butler See Before Super Bowl LII That Got Him Benched?

On February 4, 2018, Malcolm Butler—the hero of Super Bowl XLIX—was mysteriously benched by Patriots head coach Bill Belichick just hours before kickoff in Super Bowl LII against the Eagles. The move shocked players, analysts, and fans alike, especially as New England’s defense struggled throughout the 41–33 loss.

Butler, known for his game-saving interception in 2015, didn’t play a single defensive snap. He was limited to just one play on special teams. No clear reason was ever publicly offered. Belichick called it a “football decision,” while Butler, visibly emotional after the game, told reporters, “They gave up on me. F***. It is what it is.”

Rumors quickly spread. Some suggested a missed curfew or discipline issue, others speculated it was a deeper clash with defensive coordinator Matt Patricia during practice. But nothing concrete was ever confirmed. In 2022, Patriots owner Robert Kraft added more fuel to the fire, stating that Butler’s benching stemmed from “something personal” between him and Belichick—not a performance issue.

Teammates were also left in the dark. Safety Devin McCourty admitted he didn’t know the reason either, later adding, “It’s one of those things only a few people know. Maybe someday Malcolm will tell us.”

Years later, the mystery remains. Butler has never broken his silence, leading fans to speculate even more about what he might be protecting—or who.

One thing is clear: that night altered his career and became one of the most baffling moments in Super Bowl history. Whatever Butler saw—or did—before that game, it’s still locked behind closed doors.