BOSTON — When it comes to defensive plays Sunday night, Malcolm Butler was nowhere to be found and now it appears he might have played his last game as a patriot.
The hero of Super Bowl XLIX cried during the national anthem and we learned later he was told just before kickoff he wouldn't be starting.
In fact, Butler didn't play a single snap on defense and his teammates admitted after the game they were disappointed.
Malcolm Butler’s Patriots career begins as a Super Bowl hero, and likely ends with a Super Bowl benching. A dramatic career arc to say the least
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) February 5, 2018
According to NFL game logs, Butler played a single snap on special teams.
Coach Belichick didn't offer much explanation other than to say it wasn't injury or discipline related.
Butler told ESPN after the game the team lost faith in him.
At least for me, this #SuperBowl will forever be the "What if Malcolm Butler played?" game. #Patriots #Eagles
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) February 5, 2018
"They gave up on me," Butler told ESPN.
According to reports, Butler was the first one to leave the locker room and get on the team bus.
Bill Belichick has done a lot of weird stuff. Benching Malcolm Butler, but not deactivating him, might be the weirdest.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) February 5, 2018
Butler had played in more than 98 percent of defensive plays for the Patriots through the season.
The questions were lobbed at players and coaches immediately after the game Sunday night, but the question is whether or not any answers will surface.
MORE: Patriots lose Super Bowl LII to Eagles, final score 41-33
Why didn’t Malcolm Butler play?
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) February 5, 2018
Here’s Matt Patricia’s explanation. pic.twitter.com/KaWGdaVsbO
Devin McCourty on Malcolm Butler’s benching: “I’m sure it crushed him.” pic.twitter.com/9XZRCwbqg3
— Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis) February 5, 2018
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