Malcolm Butler cherishes long journey to Foxboro

Mark Daniels, Providence Journal:

Malcolm Butler was lost. He was without a college, without football and unsure what was next.

But in one fell swoop his football career almost came to crashing halt. After five games during his 2009 freshman season, Butler was kicked out of school. (Though he wouldn’t confirm the reason, the only arrest on his record shows a charge for possession of drug paraphernalia.)

I would say Malcolm Butler followed the path of the famous poet, Robert Frost in the Road Not Taken. Why go in a straight line and take the easy road when you can make the journey a real adventure?

With only two years of high school football and some poor grades to boot, Hinds Community College was the first stop. The drug paraphernalia got in the way.

Next was Alcorn State for summer courses.

Part-time job at Popeye’s.

Back to Hinds Community College Division III for one season.
Opponents include: Holmes, Pearl River, Co-Lin, Jones, East central, Southwest, Northwest

Upgraded to Division II West Alabama
Opponents include: Stillman, Shaw, Concordia, Shorter, Florida Tech, Delta, Valdosta, West Georgia

All American CB

All Gulf Coast Conference

Signed as undrafted free agent by New England Patriots

Mark Daniels, Providence Journal:

"I’ve been able to enjoy it and be shocked at the same time. It’s such a blessing,” Butler said. “Tom Brady, one of the best players, and Darrelle Revis — it’s just crazy. I’ve settled down and just hoping I can maintain a spot on the roster.”

If things had worked out differently, Malcolm would probably be a Popeye’s manager by now. That is quite a journey from Vicksburg to Foxboro.

Third exhibition game on Friday night against the Carolina Panthers is just another step forward for Malcolm.

Paul Murphy is a freelance writer from New Hampshire.

Follow me on Twitter at @_prmurphy

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