NFL History: Where do Patriots Rank in Greatest Moments?

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12. Malcolm Butler Saves Super Bowl for Patriots

Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette (83) in the fourth quarter in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Last, but certainly not least, the final Patriots’ moment on this list comes in at number 12. It is a much more recent moment, that will undoubtedly be remembered forever.

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The Patriots have long been known for being able to pluck players from seemingly nowhere who make an impact. This time they took it to the next level, when undrafted rookie Malcolm Butler became a Super Bowl hero last season.

The Patriots signed Butler after he went undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft. They were the only team to have any real interest in Butler, and he even needed to try out for a shot with them in training camp.

Butler impressed the coaching staff right away, fought through his rookie season with little playing time and was ready when they needed him. Butler showed some signs during the 2014 season, but he came in and played huge for the Patriots in the biggest moment. Butler was a little used cornerback, but was forced into Super Bowl action as Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks constantly picked on their slot corner, Kyle Arrington.

Butler stepped in and played well for the Patriots as their number three corner in the second half of the Super Bowl, and his addition to the lineup was a huge reason why the Patriots were able to slow down Seattle’s passing attack.

As you all know, Butler’s moment came late in the fourth quarter with time expiring and the Seahawks threatening to score the game-winning touchdown inside the five yard line. Instead of handing off to superstar back Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks’ coach Pete Carroll called a passing play, a call that will haunt him forever.

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Wilson tried to hit Ricardo Lockette on a quick slant route, but Butler was not having any of it. He drove down on the ball, jumping the route with absolutely perfect timing. Butler stole the pass away from Lockette, coming away with the interception to save the game and win the Super Bowl championship for the Patriots.

It was an incredible play to win the freaking Super Bowl by a guy who the Patriots seemingly plucked out of thin air. It was an indescribable moment that I know I will never forget. In fact, that is something I can say about each and every Patriots’ moment on this list.

Here is what the FanSided staff had to say about Butler’s pick coming in as the twelfth greatest moment in NFL history:

"During their run over the course of the last decade, players all over the field have stepped up for the New England Patriots. Sometimes, these are players that we might not have known all that much about, such as Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl XLIX. After being down by 10 points in the fourth quarter to the Seattle Seahawks, the Patriots fought back to take a 28-24 lead. However, with time running down in regulation, the defending champion Seahawks were threatening, taking the ball near the goal line of the Patriots. Everyone was looking for a run from Marshawn Lynch to get Seattle the win. Yet, the Seahawks’ coaching staff thought they had another trick up their sleeves by calling for a pick play and an inside slant. Butler wasn’t fooled one bit. Instead of handing the ball off to Lynch, quarterback Russell Wilson dropped back and looked for receiver Ricardo Lockette. Butler read the play and timed the pass perfectly, stepped in front of it and sealed yet another Super Bowl win for the Patriots in the process."

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