There was really nothing that interested me in watching Super Bowl XLIX.
It was a game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks; two teams I not only don’t cheer for, but actively root against.
I am a disgruntled Dallas Cowboy fan living in the heart of Saints country.
Then that’s when Malcolm Butler happened.
I was sitting in my living room, relaxing, sort of enjoying the fact that I did not have a fan connection to the game. It didn’t matter to me who won and lost. Then, that’s when Malcolm Butler happened.
Over the days leading up to the Super Bowl, our sports department had published articles about Butler, a Vicksburg native, playing in the biggest game.
There was a sense of pride in knowing someone from Vicksburg was in the game, but again, I was a Cowboys fan and cheering for the Patriots was just about as bad as cheering for the Steelers or 49’ers.
Then, Malcolm Butler happened.
The final few minutes of Super Bowl XLIX will go down as some of the most exciting in Super Bowl history and the play that some have dubbed the “improbable interception” now ranks as one of the single greatest plays in the history of NFL championships.
When Malcolm intercepted Seattle’s Russell Wilson on the 1-yard line with just seconds remaining in the game, he solidified the Patriots Super Bowl win and propelled his name and story to the heights of NFL lore.
Since winning the Super Bowl, Malcolm has gone to Disney World, partied with teammates in a huge celebration in Boston and even received a truck from quarterback Tom Brady.
But, he’s never had a party that is being prepared for him in his hometown.
Over the past few weeks, I have been honored to be a part of some of the meetings where city leaders, representing city government, tourism and business, have come together to plan a community celebration fit for a Super Bowl champion.
In each of the meetings, the single focus has been to celebrate Malcolm. From the format of the parade to the celebration at the convention center, those planning the event have tried to bring together hundreds of pieces quickly into a great party.
Saturday, whether it is under beautiful blue skies or rain clouds, the party will go on and we will welcome home someone who not only represented his team well, but has represented his hometown well.
The theme and focus of Saturday’s celebration is to show Malcolm just how proud we are of him, the hard work he put in and the amazing successful story he has become.
I can’t wait to celebrate with Vicksburg Saturday, even if Malcolm does play for the Patriots.
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Tim Reeves is publisher of The Vicksburg Post and can be reached by email at tim.reeves@vicksburgpost.com or by phone at 601-636-4545 ext. 122.