FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Life has changed for Malcolm Butler, but the humble cornerback from Vicksburg, Mississippi, has done everything in his power to stay the same. Of course, after everything he’s gone through in the past two years, it’d be hard not to grow up.

Butler, 26, came to New England as an unknown Division II prospect who wasn’t expected to stick around long. Two years later, he’s a Super Bowl hero, Pro Bowl cornerback and a father. Now in his third training camp, Butler is different in a sense, but he knows what got him here in the first place is something he can never lose.

“The chip’s still there. The chip’s still there,” Butler said. “I want more. I’ve got more to prove just like everyone else.”

That’s a good sign for the Patriots. After becoming everyone’s favorite underdog story a year ago, Butler entered training camp last season with plenty of publicity. He presented an award at the Grammy Awards and was in a parade at Disney World. All he had to do next was prove that his interception of Russell Wilson in Super Bowl XLIX was no fluke.

A play like the one he made will likely define his career, but the last thing Butler wanted to be known as was a flash-in-the-pan. He worked hard last season to show everyone he could actually contribute on a full-time basis and not just as a reserve.

Butler responded by turning into the Patriots’ No. 1 cornerback and earning his first Pro Bowl selection. He entered the offseason feeling similar. After tasting last season’s success, Butler needed to build off it. One Pro Bowl wasn’t good enough.

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Earlier this week, Bill Belichick said Butler has constantly evolved.

“Malcolm works hard. He’s gotten better each year,” Belichick said. “He’s certainly way ahead of where he was last year at this time, which was way ahead of where he was his rookie year at this time. He’s a hard-working kid that has shown steady improvement, he really competes well on the field, he wants to get better. His roles have expanded in terms of playing on both sides, playing inside, and I’d say his overall coverage and understanding and technique and the variety of things he can do at a proficient level has continued to expand and grow. He’s done a good job for us and continues to get better.”

Add in the birth of his son, Malcolm Terel Butler Jr., last offseason and life has forced Butler to quickly grow up.

“I grew pretty fast. Everything that happened to me, made me grow up faster,” Butler said. “Made me watch myself more. I’m just growing as a football player, a person and just trying to do the best I can.”

Part of his evaluation as a cornerback also comes from the film room. During his rookie year, Butler watched Darrelle Revis closely. He noticed the veteran would jot everything down in a notebook when the team watched film so Butler started to do the same. By keeping track of every detail, it allows Butler to notice little mistakes that he makes.

His attention to detail has also helped him transition from Division II to the NFL.

“Work hard, man. Watch film,” Butler said when asked how he thinks he has improved. “Learn from your mistakes and try not to repeat the same error and try to grow up as a man. Just try to grow as a football player, a better person.”

Butler’s transformation has helped the Patriots replace Revis. His development this season will be a big part of the defense’s success. Although Butler has grown, his goals remain the same.

“Get better as a player, do anything to help the team,” Butler said.


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