From UWA hero to Super Bowl hero

Tom Brady took home the MVP, but it was former West Alabama All-American Malcolm Butler who made the play that clinched the New England Patriots win in Super Bowl XLIX.

The undrafted free agent from UWA intercepted Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson with 20 seconds left to seal the deal for the Patriots. And the rest is history.

One ESPN reporter even went as far as to say that Butler will never have to buy a drink or pay for another meal in New England for the rest of his life.

“Or in Livingston for that matter,” quipped UWA head coach Brett Gilliland.

For those who know Butler, they will tell you none of that matters.

He was humble as a Division II All-American cornerback at West Alabama. He is even more humble as a Super Bowl hero.

“I just had a vision that I was going to make a big play and it came true,” Butler said. “I’m just blessed. I can’t explain it right now. It’s crazy.”

A reaction slightly different from an earlier sideline shot of Seattle corner Richard Sherman who felt the need to show up Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis following a Seahawks score.

The game winning interception wasn’t the only thing Butler contributed to the Patriots win. He made three solo tackles and defended another pass.

The pick was Butler’s first of his NFL career. Chances are it won’t be his last. Chance are even better that there won’t be one any bigger.