Cardinals place CB Malcolm Butler on reserve/retired list

Posted August 31, 2021 7:00 am

By DAVID BRANDT

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) - The Arizona Cardinals placed cornerback Malcolm Butler on the reserve/retired list on Tuesday, potentially signaling the end of his seven-year career.

NFL Network reported Monday that Butler was mulling retirement because of a 'œpersonal situation.'ť

The 31-year-old Butler signed a $6 million, one-year deal with the Cardinals during the offseason and appeared in line to become one of the team's starting cornerbacks.

Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury didn't say much about Butler's absence on Tuesday, but acknowledged he hadn't talked to the cornerback. He said Butler's future 'œremains to be seen.'ť

A few hours later, Butler was placed on reserve/retired list, which opens up a spot on the roster for another player.

Butler is best known for one of the most stunning plays in Super Bowl history. As a rookie for the New England Patriots in 2014, he intercepted a pass from Seattle's Russell Wilson at the goal line with 26 seconds left, securing the Patriots' 28-24 win.

Butler was a Pro Bowl selection for the Patriots the following year and started four seasons for the franchise, helping New England win another Super Bowl after the 2016 season.

He played three years with the Tennessee Titans before signing with the Cardinals. Kingsbury had been complimentary of Butler during training camp and there was no indication the cornerback was having problems.

Butler has 17 interceptions in 100 games, including 84 starts.

Without Butler, Arizona's likely starters at cornerback will be Robert Alford and Byron Murphy Jr.

Alford has missed the past two seasons with injuries. Kingsbury also said he's been pleased with the way rookie Marco Wilson has played during camp.

___

More AP NFL coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl and https://twitter.com/AP_NFL

FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2015, file photo, New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette during the NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game in Glendale, Ariz. The biggest moment in Malcolm Butler's career happened right here at State Farm Stadium, when the rookie cornerback stepped in front of a Seattle Seahawks receiver at the goalline, intercepted a Russell Wilson pass, and secured a stunning Super Bowl XLIX victory for the New England Patriots. That play was about 6 1/2 years ago. Butler - who is entering his first season with the Arizona Cardinals - is finding out that's an eternity in NFL time.(AP Photo/Kathy Willens, File) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers Football NFL NHL Pro Sports Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.