The City of Vicksburg will honor Malcolm Butler, but city officials said they want to make sure whatever they do doesn’t create problems with the Super Bowl XLIX hero’s contract with the New England Patriots or the National Football League.

“We need to get approval from his family or him before we can do anything,” Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said Tuesday. “We don’t want to do anything that’s going to hurt the young man or his contract.”

A graduate of Vicksburg High School and the University of West Alabama, Butler, a defensive back for the Patriots, gained immediate fame when he intercepted a Russell Wilson pass with 26 seconds remaining in the Super Bowl to clinch the 28-24 win for New England.

The improbable interception was replayed after the game on ESPN’s Sports Center, which also featured some notable facts about him.

Flaggs said Monday he began receiving telephone calls, text messages and emails from residents immediately after the game suggesting the city do something to honor Butler.

“We’re very thankful that the young man involved in the Super Bowl was from Vicksburg,” Flaggs said at the start of a meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen Monday morning.

“To watch the Super Bowl and hear the words Vicksburg, Mississippi, and his life played out on the TV speaks volumes for Vicksburg, and also speaks volumes on what can happen when you focus on your dream and you stay close to God,” he said.

“I would like to once again congratulate Malcolm Butler and salute his performance in Super Bowl XLIX,” Flaggs said in a written statement, adding he has been in contact with the Butler family and as soon as details can be arranged, the City of Vicksburg will honor him.

“We look forward to honoring Malcolm, and we are proud of all his accomplishments. The City of Vicksburg will announce more details when plans are finalized.”