FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Last year at the Patriots home opener, New England welcomed Tom Brady back home to Gillette Stadium for a halftime celebration. That day, Brady started a new Gillette Stadium tradition as the Keeper of the Light, ringing the bell atop the stadium's new lighthouse prior to the Patriots team introduction.
This year, the Patriots host the Seattle Seahawks for their 2024 home opener, the team the Patriots defeated in dramatic fashion in Super Bowl XLIX to conclude the 2014 season a decade ago. To commemorate the 10-year anniversary of that championship season, the Patriots are welcoming back Super Bowl 49 hero Malcolm Butler as this Sunday's Keeper of the Light. He will be joined by more than 20 former teammates who are returning for a reunion weekend.
"It's an honor to come back and celebrate with my teammates and the fans who have supported us throughout the years," said Butler. "That game was a defining moment in all of our careers, and it's something we will never forget."
As a rookie free agent cornerback from West Alabama, Butler became one of the most surprising heroes in Super Bowl history when he intercepted a Russell Wilson pass at the goal line to seal a thrilling 28-24 victory over the Seahawks. It has been described as arguably the greatest game-deciding play in Super Bowl history.
All players and coaches from that championship season were invited to attend. While some prominent members of that 2014 team now have broadcasting obligations and are unable to attend, nearly half of the team will be in attendance. For some of the alumni returning, it will be their first time back to Foxborough in nearly a decade.
The former players and their families will enjoy a reception at Gillette Stadium Saturday night. On Sunday, the Kraft family will host them pregame and Patriots fans will have an opportunity to welcome them home to Gillette Stadium during a halftime ceremony.
For more information, please visit the New England Patriots' official website or contact the team's communications department.
