Butler Becomes 1st Undrafted Rookie with Interception in Super Bowl

New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler recorded a game-sealing interception at the goal line toward the end of Sunday's 28-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks, making him the first undrafted rookie in NFL history to intercept a pass in a Super Bowl, per the Elias Sports Bureau (via ESPN Stats & Info).

The 24-year-old was a rather unlikely hero, as he made just 18 tackles in 11 regular-season appearances this year, following a college career at Division II University of West Alabama.

Sunday's interception was the first of Butler's career, and it wasn't just a play that fell right into his hands.

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson appeared to have wide receiver Ricardo Lockette open for a potential one-yard, go-ahead touchdown, but the throw was a little bit late, and Butler responded by beating Lockette to the ball.

Butler timed his aggressive play perfectly, as he caught the ball on the right side of his body while hitting Lockette with the left side. Had he arrived a bit earlier, Butler might have been called for pass interference, which would have given the Seahawks a 1st-and-goal from the half-yard line.

Instead, the Seahawks were left looking stunned, with no shortage of questions surrounding the play-calling by offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.

After all, the interception came on a 2nd-and-goal from the 1-yard line, and with one timeout remaining, the Seahawks seemingly had plenty of time to run three more plays, even if one were to be stopped shy of the goal line.

With a backfield duo of Wilson and running back Marshawn Lynch, the Seahawks had plenty of options at their disposal that didn't involve attempting a pass.

Of course, the surprise pass at least had the benefit of being unexpected, but excellent coverage by Butler and fellow cornerback Brandon Browner took away any possible advantage.

Browner also deserves a large share of credit for the memorable play, as his press coverage on Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse gave Butler a perfect angle to the ball.

Had Kearse not been completely jammed by Browner, Butler's angle would have been cut off, and the Seahawks would likely be Super Bowl champions.

Instead, Butler gets to add his name to the rather long list of unlikely Super Bowl heroes.