Patriots welcome back Super Bowl hero to troll Week 2 opponent

Marshawn Lynch, Pete Carroll and other key figures in the Seattle Seahawks' Super Bowl XLIX loss to the New England Patriots won't be anywhere near Gillette Stadium on Sunday when the teams play in Week 2.

The Patriots will welcome back dozens of former players and coaches to Foxborough to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their championship season, however, including retired cornerback Malcolm Butler.

The one-time Pro Bowler will serve as the "Keeper of the Light," ahead of the contest, a tradition that started at last year's home opener when legendary quarterback Tom Brady returned to Gillette Stadium for the first time. Like Brady did in 2023, Butler will ring the bell atop the stadium's new lighthouse prior to the home team's introduction.

The West Alabama product is best remembered for his interception of Russell Wilson's pass at the goal line to seal the New England's 28-24 win over Seattle Seahawks in the championship.

"It's an honor to come back and celebrate with my teammates and the fans who have supported us throughout the years," the 34-year-old said, according to a release .

Following his heroics at the end of his rookie season, Butler continued playing with the Patriots through the 2017 campaign, making his lone Pro Bowl in 2015.

He suited up for the Tennessee Titans for three seasons from 2018-20 and was released by the squad in March 2021. Butler signed with the Arizona Cardinals three weeks later but was then placed on the retired/reserves list ahead of the regular season for what was deemed "personal reasons."

The two-time Super Bowl champion was released by the Cardinals in February 2022 and rejoined New England the following month but was eventually placed on injured reserve and released in August that year. Butler worked out for multiple teams in 2023 but couldn't find his way onto a roster.

His final NFL contest was on Jan. 10, 2021 during Tennessee's playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Butler announced his retirement in March.