Vicksburg Welcomes Malcolm Butler Home

New England Patriots defensive back Malcolm Butler (21), a former Vicksburg High star, intercepts a pass at the goal line with 20 seconds left in Super Bowl XLIX on Sunday. The pick sealed New England’s 28-24 victory. (The Associated Press)

The City of Vicksburg will host a parade and ceremony for Vicksburg native and Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler on Saturday, February 21 beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Malcolm Butler, a cornerback for the New England Patriots, made the winning play at this year’s Super Bowl on Sunday, February 1 when he intercepted the ball in the last 20 seconds of the game to seal the victory over the Seattle Seahawks. Butler is a 2009 graduate of Vicksburg High School. He earned a scholarship to Hinds Community College and later played at the University of West Alabama. On May 19, 2014, he signed with the New England Patriots after going undrafted in the 2014 NFL Draft and made his first start on December 14, where he made two tackles.

“I am honored and humbled by the hometown support I have received,” said Butler. “I look forward to celebrating the great season and Super Bowl win with my hometown. It has been a whirlwind since the Super Bowl but I am excited to be home.”

Former Mississippi NFL players such as Glen Collins, Jimmie Smith, Chris Burkett, Tyrone Keys, and Fred Smoot as well as The Sounds of Dynamite band from Alcorn State University and The Sonic Boom of the South band from Jackson State University are featured parade attractions.

The parade will begin on Belmont Street and the route will follow along Washington Street to China Street onto Mulberry Street and ending at the Vicksburg Convention Center, 1600 Mulberry Street. The Mayor will give Malcolm the ceremonial “Key to The City” following the parade around 4:00 p.m. at a special ceremony at the Vicksburg Convention Center. The public is invited to attend the citywide celebration with live bands, floats, and festivities for the whole family. Mayor George Flaggs, Jr. has declared February 17-22 “Malcolm Butler Week”.

“The City of Vicksburg is proud to be recognizing Malcolm Butler on Saturday, February 21 with a parade in his honor,” said Flaggs. “We salute Malcolm for never giving up on his dreams and proving that through hard work and a strong faith in God that anything in life can be accomplished. His dedication and determination has guided him to be the successful individual that he is today. He is truly an inspiration for all of us. Again, congratulations to our hometown hero Malcolm Butler!”

For more information about the parade contact Angela Jenkins at amjenkins@ajaservices.com or give her a call at 601-214-6922. For information about the ceremony at the Vicksburg Convention Center, contact Annette Kirklin at annette@vicksburg.org or by phone 601-630-2929. For media requests, please contact Laura Beth Strickland at laurabeth@visitvicksburg.com or call her at 601-831-3373 by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 19.

Delta Business Journal