Malcolm Butler opens on his return to Patriots, gets praised by Bill Belichick

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New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler feels he has a lot to prove in his second stint with the Patriots. Butler, who went undrafted in the 2014 NFL draft, was given a chance by the Patriots. In his first year with the Patriots, Butler made a key play in the Super Bowl as the Patriots beat the Seattle Seahawks.

Butler last suited up for the Patriots in the 2017 Super Bowl but surprisingly didn't get a single snap. The exact reason for the Butler benchind was never revealed but the cornerback shortly after left the team to join the Tennessee Titans.

After retiring and spending a year away from football, Butler decided to return to football this offseason. "I feel like I have a lot to prove, especially to myself. If I do it myself, I'll prove it to my teammates at the same time.

So that's why I'm working hard every day and trying to stay focused," Butler said, via MassLive.

Butler feeling rejuvenated

After spending three years with the Titans, Butler signed a deal with the Arizona Cardinals last offseason.

Last August, Butler announced he was retiring due to personal reasons. After taking a year off, Butler returned to football this offseason. "Feeling good. Feeling fresh. Well, I was until I got here and started running around.

Rejuvenated," he said. "Took some time off to handle some things and I'm back here now. I'm back in football shape, but I've got more work to do." Many speculated that there was a rift between Butler and Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

Whatever happened between the two is now a thing of the past as Butler and Belichick appear to be on good terms. "Malcolm works hard, like he always has," Belichick said. "Very competitive, out there scrapping for balls. His aggressiveness, play style -- we're not in pads, but yeah, looks like it's about the same."