Patriots’ Malcolm Butler Feels Russell Wilson Made ‘Right Decision’ On Super Bowl XLIX Pick

A Super Bowl rematch between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will inspire fond memories of Malcolm Butler’s iconic play.

Eleven years ago, Butler picked off Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson at the goal line to secure a 28-24 Patriots victory. The former New England cornerback will get plenty of chances to celebrate his famous Super Bowl XLIX moment before the two teams meet in Santa Clara next Sunday.

Butler discussed his game-saving takeaway in a phone call with the Seattle Times’ Nicole Pasia on Thursday. The two-time Super Bowl champion doesn’t think Wilson should take any flak for a blunder that cost the Seahawks their second straight title.

“(Wilson) threw the ball, and I caught it, but I felt like if the wide receiver would have ran the route harder, he would have given them another chance, but it didn’t happen,” Butler said. “But I think (Wilson) made the right decision.”

Of course, most conversations around that play are about whether Pete Carroll made the right decision. The head coach received harsh criticism for calling a pass rather than handing the ball to star running back Marshawn Lynch for a potential game-winning touchdown, and Butler seems to concur with that thinking.

“It’s situational football,” Butler said.

Butler recalled following Wilson’s eyes before the play to identify his likely target. Once the ball went to wide receiver Ricardo Lockette, Butler went for broke by pursuing the game-sealing interception.

“You’ve got to take a shot at life,” Butler said. “I took my shot — just knowing situational football. If I would have dropped that ball, Malcolm Butler would not be in the picture.”