Just when you think one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history will go out lacking that Vince Lombardi Trophy, it happens. John Elway's helicopter effort near the goal line in the Denver Bronco's thrilling Super Bowl victory over the Green Bay Packers allowed him to get the first of two rings that sent him out the right way.

New England Patriot's cornerback Malcolm Butler looks to another sport entirely for his career path motivation, as per Phil Perry of NBC's Pro Football Talk.

“Most definitely. I want to go out like Kobe,” he said, referencing the star who spent his entire career with the Lakers. “I'm not Kobe, but I want to go out like Kobe.”

Playing out his rookie deal, Butler's scheduled to be a free agent once the season officially comes to an end. Nevertheless, he wants to remain in New England while resembling Kobe Bryant, the man who played his entire career with one organization.

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And despite all of the discussion surrounding his contract, the Super Bowl 49 hero seems extremely grounding while putting the proper perspective on his situation.

“At times it was [hard], but we're just living,” he said. “We're just living life, and whatever happens is going to happen no matter what. You're life is already mapped out. It's not going to change anything or do any good thinking about it, stressing yourself over anything, man. You just gotta live your life. You're still living. I'm playing the greatest sport in America for the greatest team in America and, just gotta keep moving forward, just live your life.”

In 2017, Butler picked off two passes, registered 12 pass deflections, and recorded 55 tackles. He did all of this while making $3.91 million. In fact, the undrafted free agent out of West Alabama raked in just $420,000 during his rookie season and $510,00 in 2016, the year he finished as a Second-Team All-Pro corner. Only $600,000 came his way a season ago.

This week, he'll continue to take the Bill Belichick approach of not stirring the pot in preparation for the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl 52, but once the season ends, that could be done. If there's one thing we do know, it's that Malcolm Butler, wherever he does wind up, should be expecting a pay raise this offseason as an unrestricted free agent.