House Resolution 40

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING TWO-TIME SUPER BOWL CHAMPION MALCOLM BUTLER UPON WINNING SUPER BOWL LI AND RECOGNIZING HIS SERVICE AS GRAND MARSHAL FOR THE 2017 VICKSBURG MARDI GRAS PARADE.

WHEREAS, Malcolm Butler, a cornerback for the New England Patriots, native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, and the 2017 Vicksburg Mardi Gras Parade Grand Marshal, won Super Bowl LI with the Patriots, defeating the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in a truly impressive comeback win; and

WHEREAS, although the Patriots struggled to get going in the first half, the team summoned every bit of mental and physical toughness they had and overcame a 25-point deficit, breaking the record for the largest deficit to win the Super Bowl; and

WHEREAS, only a few years ago, Malcolm sat in his living room in Vicksburg watching the Super Bowl, hoping that he would get a chance to play in the most celebrated annual championship game some day, and now his dream has been fulfilled, winning two Super Bowls and making history along with his teammates as the only team to win a Super Bowl in overtime; and

WHEREAS, Malcolm began his football career playing for Vicksburg High School, where even as a young high school student his coaches recognized his outstanding work ethic and potential for greatness; and

WHEREAS, Malcolm is proud of his life's experiences, which prepared him to become the hero of Super Bowl XLIX, mentioning in his postgame interview of that Super Bowl that he had worked at a Popeyes in Vicksburg, demonstrating to the world how hard he worked to get where he is today; and

WHEREAS, Malcolm's road to Super Bowl history was a rocky one, being kicked off the football team at Hinds Community College during his freshman year, and returning to Vicksburg and his job at Popeyes; and

WHEREAS, Malcolm, never giving up on his dream, had a plan and stuck to it, knowing that he was meant for much more, and after realizing that becoming a football star was truly what he wanted, he enrolled at Alcorn State University, Lorman, Mississippi, in the spring of 2011; and

WHEREAS, Malcolm transferred back to Hinds Community College after showing the football coaches he had changed enough to earn a second chance, and he rewarded their faith by excelling on and off the field, keeping his nose clean and earning All-State honors; and

WHEREAS, Malcolm left Hinds Community College and went to the University of West Alabama, in Division II, where he was a two-time All-Gulf South Conference cornerback; and

WHEREAS, even though Malcolm went undrafted, he was given a free agent tryout with the Patriots and showed up and showed out, earning a training camp invite, which led to a stellar preseason and a spot on the 53-man opening day roster; and

WHEREAS, while Malcolm is mentioned most in relation to his miraculous interception to win Super Bowl XLIX, it is his year in and year out drive to become better that keeps him as a starter on the Patriots roster, and the 2016 season was no different, as he consistently broke up plays, made interceptions and was even named Second-team All-Pro by Pro Football Focus and the Associated Press; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the achievements of outstanding Mississippi athletes, such as Malcolm Butler, who have brought great pride and honor to their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Malcolm Butler upon winning Super Bowl LI, the second of his career, and extend best wishes to him for continued success in all of his future athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Malcolm Butler, his family and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.