Malcolm Butler’s Interception: The Play That Stunned the Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX
Introduction
On February 1, 2015, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks met in Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The game featured two dynasties colliding — Tom Brady and Bill Belichick’s Patriots seeking redemption after a decade without a Super Bowl, and Pete Carroll’s Seahawks looking to cement back-to-back championships. With under 30 seconds left, the Seahawks stood just one yard away from victory. Instead, rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler made one of the most famous interceptions in NFL history, preserving the Patriots’ 28–24 win and changing the legacies of both franchises forever.
Setting the Stage: Patriots vs. Seahawks, 2014 Season
Both teams entered the game with remarkable credentials.
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New England Patriots: Led by Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and a rejuvenated defense, the Patriots finished 12–4 and rolled through the AFC playoffs. They were chasing their fourth Lombardi Trophy of the Brady-Belichick era.
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Seattle Seahawks: At 12–4, Seattle had the league’s top defense, the “Legion of Boom,” featuring Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and Earl Thomas. With Russell Wilson at quarterback and Marshawn Lynch at running back, the Seahawks were defending champions.
The stage was set for one of the greatest Super Bowl matchups ever.
The Game: A Heavyweight Battle
Super Bowl XLIX was a back-and-forth thriller.
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First Half: The teams traded scores, with Seattle tying the game 14–14 just before halftime on a touchdown from Wilson to Chris Matthews.
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Second Half: Brady connected with Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman for touchdowns, while the Seahawks leaned on Marshawn Lynch and big plays from Wilson.
With two minutes left, the Patriots led 28–24, but Seattle had one last drive.
The Drive: Seahawks March Downfield
Russell Wilson led the Seahawks on a dramatic final push.
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Jermaine Kearse’s Catch: With just over a minute left, Wilson hit Kearse for a miraculous 33-yard reception after the ball bounced off the defender and into his hands as he fell to the ground.
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At the 1-yard line: On the next play, Marshawn Lynch bulldozed his way to the New England 1-yard line. With under 30 seconds left, Seattle had second-and-goal and the game in their hands.
The Play: Malcolm Butler’s Interception
What happened next became one of the most debated play calls in NFL history.
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The Call: Instead of handing the ball to Marshawn Lynch — one of the NFL’s most powerful runners — Seattle called a quick slant pass.
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The Execution: Wilson fired the ball toward receiver Ricardo Lockette.
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The Interception: Rookie cornerback Malcolm Butler read the play, jumped the route, and intercepted the pass at the goal line.
The play stunned the stadium and millions watching worldwide.
Aftermath: Patriots’ Redemption, Seahawks’ Collapse
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For New England: The interception sealed the Patriots’ first Super Bowl title since 2004, ending a decade-long drought. Brady finished with 328 yards and 4 touchdowns, earning Super Bowl MVP.
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For Seattle: The decision to throw instead of run remains one of the most criticized coaching calls in sports history. The Seahawks missed the chance to repeat as champions, and the dynasty momentum was halted.
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For Malcolm Butler: An undrafted rookie from West Alabama, Butler went from unknown to hero overnight, cementing his place in NFL lore.
Legacy of the Goal-Line Interception
Malcolm Butler’s interception is often ranked as the greatest defensive play in Super Bowl history.
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The Debate: Fans and analysts still argue whether Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell made the wrong call or if Butler simply made a once-in-a-lifetime play.
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The Symbolism: The interception embodied the Patriots’ dynasty — preparation, discipline, and execution in the biggest moment.
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Cultural Impact: The play has been replayed countless times in highlight reels, documentaries, and debates, ensuring it will never be forgotten.
Conclusion
Super Bowl XLIX ended with one of the most shocking finishes in NFL history. Just one yard away from victory, the Seahawks saw their dreams crushed by Malcolm Butler’s interception — a play that preserved the Patriots’ dynasty and altered the course of NFL history.
Years later, the moment remains as unforgettable as ever: a reminder that in football, one decision, one play, and one rookie can change everything.
