Matt Damon still bothered by Bill Belichick benching Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl LII - "He just never gave an answer"
Former New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick's decision to bench cornerback Malcolm Butler in Super Bowl LII against the Philadelphia Eagles is regarded as one of the most controversial decisions in NFL history. To this day, Butler's benching remains a mystery to many, including ex-Patriots players.
Matt Damon, who's a long-time Patriots fan, is still upset by Belichick's decision. During his guest spot on ESPN's 'First Take' on Wednesday, Damon said that he's always been curious about the benching because Belichick never explained his decision.
Damon added that Tom Brady was sensational in that game, throwing for 505 yards and three touchdowns, with a passer rating of 115.4, and that Butler not being in the game cost them a Super Bowl victory.
[from 5:20 mark onwards]
"I still wonder why he did not put Malcom Butler into that game. Because Tommy could not be stopped. He set the record for yards. He was just absolutely, like, we just needed one stop. We didn't punt in the Super Bowl, and we lost."
Damon continued:
"We had Malcolm who played 99% of the snaps standing next to him with his helmet on. I always wondered what that was about. He just never gave an answer. I've always been curious about that."
Matt Damon believes Bill Belichick will land on his feet after going jobless in 2024
The New England Patriots parted ways with Bill Belichick after 24 seasons, earlier this year in January. The six-time Super Bowl winner was in line to take the Atlanta Falcons coaching job before the team shockingly announced Raheem Morris as their head coach. There were reports that Robert Kraft was influential in Belichick going jobless in 2024.
Speaking on the same show, Damon spoke highly of Bill Belichick and said that the two decades of success come at a price. He added that while he doesn't know where Belichick would coach in the future, Damon believes Belichick will definitely get back on his feet because he's too talented. [starts at 4:04]
"I think you know that that 20-some-odd year run of just excellence and I think it comes at a price. That whole mentality and to be that good at that high level like in that competitive world for that long, you probably end up burning some bridges. But I think there will be a reset. He's too talented to just go unemployed. I mean, he's the best ever do it. So I'm sure he'll land on his feet."
Although Bill Belichick may not be coaching in the 2024 NFL season, he will still be very busy during the season. He will appear on the Pat McAfee Show once a week during the season and on the ManningCast with Peyton and Eli Manning early in every game.
He'll don the cap of an analyst on "Inside the NFL" alongside Ryan Clark, Chad Johnson and Chris Long. Last but not least, Belichick will also have his own football show with Underdog Fantasy.