Super Bowl hero Butler coming to Peabody for an appearance

A few weeks ago, Malcolm Butler was at the bottom of the depth chart in a New England Patriots secondary that boasts superstars and former first-round draft picks. One Super Bowl-saving interception later he’s the talk of the town as the franchise celebrates its fourth Vince Lombardi trophy.
The undrafted rookie out of West Alabama will be making an appearance on the North Shore Saturday, at Sportsworld on Route 1 in Peabody, from 12-2 p.m.
After witnessing what he feels was one of the all-time great moments in the history of Boston sports, Sportsworld owner Phil Castinetti didn’t hesitate to do what he could to get Butler for an autograph signing in his store.
?Right after the Super Bowl we figured (the interception) was such a great moment in Boston sports history and sports history,” Castinetti said. “So I was able to get (Butler) to come down through a buddy of mine who played for the Patriots.”
As far as projecting a turnout for the crowd, Castinetti has high expectations.
?It’s been a tremendous reception,” he said, “I wouldn’t be surprised to get anywhere from 500 to 1,000 fans here.”
The thought of 1,000 Patriots fans lining up for the autograph of an undrafted cornerback who made just one start in the regular season would have been ludicrous a week ago. But after a game-winning play in the Super Bowl, things changed quickly.
Castinetti is still amazed over how it all happened.
?I still can’t get over the fact (the Seahawks) called that play, but they did. Everybody else is thinking the same thing,” Castinetti said.
He also notes that he’s never seen such a quick turnaround in a player going from being a relatively unknown figure to becoming a household name.
?I’ve been in business for 29 years and this is the hottest I’ve ever seen anyone right now,” Castinetti said. “It’s all because of one play.”
Also joining Butler on Saturday at Sportsworld will be Jonas Gray. The running back is best known for scoring a franchise-record four rushing touchdowns in a Week 11 victory over the Indianapolis Colts this season.
The cost to get the Super Bowl hero’s signature on Saturday will be $75, while a Jonas Gray autograph will cost $25.
Whether Butler will pull up in the red Chevy Colorado truck Super Bowl MVP Tom Brady said he will give him is yet to be seen.?It was a really nice gesture,” Castinetti said, “I kind of doubt it but that’d be something.”