New England Patriots

Malcolm Butler explained his 2012 tweet about Julio Jones

"I had a vision."

Malcolm Butler, during a game against the Rams. Jim Rogash / Getty Images

In December, 2012, Malcolm Butler was coming off his first season playing for the Division II University of West Alabama Tigers, where he made 49 tackles and registered an impressive five interceptions. At that point, he was still years away from being the hero of Super Bowl XLIX.

All the same, he had the confidence to tweet about (then) second year Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones:

Butler still had another season to go in college, and eventually went undrafted in 2014. Jones, a top 10 pick in the 2011 draft, was a superstar before even turning pro (as part of Nick Saban’s Alabama program).

From two very different paths, the players will meet on the field in Super Bowl LI. And finally, Butler will get a chance to “check” Jones.

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The Patriots corner added some context to his tweet while answering questions on Thursday:

 

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