The New England Patriots signed former Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler this NFL offseason, as the two sides agreed on a two-year deal worth up to $9 million. While Butler came up with a huge interception to seal a victory over the Seattle Seahawks in a Super Bowl, it was his absence from Super Bowl 52, due his benching by New England, that captured just as much attention. The talented corner broke his silence on the Super Bowl benching upon returning to New England, as reported by Mark Daniels of The Providence Journal.

“I didn’t expect to come back to New England,” Butler admitted. “I always had respect for the New England Patriots – Mr. Kraft, Jonathan Kraft, Bill Belichick and one thing I learned, man, you never burn your bridges down. You handle situations as a man and as a grown up. If I didn’t do that, I don’t think I’d have the opportunity to come back here. I’m pretty sure I made a good decision by acting like a grown man.”

Butler, who departed the Patriots for the Tennessee Titans following the 2018 season, said that he “never burned his bridges down” in New England.

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While Butler said he didn't expect to return to the Patriots, he is sure that his decision to “handle his situation as a man and a grown up” played a pivotal role in his ability to return to the franchise.

Butler came out of retirement to sign with New England this offseason. Patriots' fans will be glad to see that Malcolm Butler has put the Super Bowl benching behind him.