New England Patriots strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Ricardo Lockette (83) during the second half of NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)
Cornerback Malcolm Butler snagged a game-deciding interception to push the New England Patriots to a 28-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX, on Feb. 1 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz.
Trailing by four points with less than a minute in the game, Seattle stood just one yard away from a go-ahead, game winning touchdown. The obvious play seemed to be a handoff to star running back Marshawn Lynch, a nasty, physical runner more than capable of scoring a one-yard touchdown. After all, Lynch had already run for 102 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. Instead, the Seahawks coaching staff dialed up a passing play for quarterback Russell Wilson, resulting in Butler’s game-winning pick.
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) scrambles away from the rush by Seattle Seahawks defensive end Demarcus Dobbs (95) and outside linebacker Bruce Irvin, right rear, during the second half of NFL Super Bowl XLIX football game Sunday, Feb. 1, 2015, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
New England outscored Seattle 14-0 in the fourth quarter, overcoming a 10-point deficit after falling behind 24-14 in the third quarter. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady tossed both fourth quarter touchdowns, making up for two interceptions earlier in the game. Brady, who claimed his fourth Super Bowl ring, completed 37 of 50 passes for 328 yards and four touchdowns. He was named to his third Super Bowl MVP honor, joining Hall of Famer Joe Montana as the only quarterback in NFL history to accomplish that feat. Brady also became only the third QB to win four Super Bowls.
New England receiver Julian Edelman had nine catches for a game-high 109 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Shane Vereen added 11 catches for 64 yards. All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski had six catches for 68 yards, including a 22-yard touchdown reception.
Wilson delivered a Super Bowl MVP-worthy performance himself, until the interception. The third-year quarterback completed 12 of 21 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He revealed a surprise connection with undrafted free agent receiver Chris Matthews, who caught four passes for 109 yards and a touchdown.