Super Bowl XLIX hero Malcolm Butler announces his retirement after seven seasons and two championships - with the former New England Patriots cornerback best remembered for his game-winning interception

Malcolm Butler, the cornerback whose interception in Super Bowl XLIX sealed the fourth championship in the New England Patriots' dynasty, has officially announced his retirement.

'I am retired,' Butler said, via Aaron Wilson of KPRC. 'I did the best I can do. Walking away from the game feeling comfortable. 

'Everybody can do more, but I'm satisfied with my career. It's time to move on and transition.'

Butler went undrafted out of college in 2014 having played at Mississippi's Hinds Community College and then transferring to the University of West Alabama.

He received a rookie mini camp invite with the New England Patriots and performed well enough to earn a three-year, $1.53m contract that May.

Malcolm Butler (21), whose interception won the Patriots a fourth Super Bowl, has retired

It turned out to be one of the best decisions the franchise ever made - as he earned a roster spot and played in eleven games his rookie season.

That led to a three-game stint in the playoffs, including in Super Bowl XLIX.

With the clock winding down and the Seattle Seahawks down 28-24 with under 30 seconds to go, Seattle coach Pete Carroll called one of the most controversial plays in NFL history when he opted for a pass on the one-yard-line instead of a handoff to star running back Marshawn Lynch.

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson tossed a slant pass for wide receiver Ricardo Lockette - which Butler read expertly and hip-checked his man to the ground while grabbing the ball for an interception.

It was a game-sealing play that earned the Patriots their fourth title in franchise history.

Butler was also part of the team's Super Bowl LI title - where he made two tackles.

The following season, the Patriots made the Super Bowl again. This time, in one of the most scrutinized decisions in team history, Bill Belichick benched Butler in the title game - which New England would lose to the Philadelphia Eagles.

When asked about being benched, Butler said, 'I don't know what it was. I guess I wasn't playing good or they didn't feel comfortable. I don't know. But I could have changed that game.'

Butler's Super Bowl XLIX heroics gave way to shock in Super Bowl LII - when he was benched

After the benching, Butler signed a five-year deal with Tennessee. He was cut after three years.

He attempted a comeback with the Patriots but didn't make it out of training camp

Butler became a free agent after that Super Bowl LII loss - signing a five-year, $61million deal with the Tennessee Titans.

He only lasted three seasons with the Titans - playing 41 games in the regular season and one game in the playoffs before being released.

Butler then signed a one-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals in March of 2021 before initially retiring that August.

After a year off, Butler returned to New England - signing a two year deal in March of 2022. The Patriots placed him on injured reserve in mid-August before releasing him nine days later.

He attempted a comeback later that season via a workout with the Miami Dolphins. Butler tried again to return to the NFL last season after working out with the Atlanta Falcons. Neither workout resulted in a contract.