It was just over a year ago when a man from Vicksburg made his presence known in the most boisterous way an NFL player can.

On the biggest stage in all of American sports, Malcolm Butler caught his first professional interception. His timing and precision ultimately led to one of the greatest endings in Super Bowl history.

From playing ball at Hinds Community College, to transferring to the University of West Alabama, and finally signing with the New England Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2014, Malcolm Butler has catapulted himself into stardom.

The former Vicksburg High star continued his rise this season by moving into the starting lineup, being selected to play in his first Pro Bowl, helping the Patriots get back to the AFC championship game and becoming known as a great player instead of for one great play.

“It’s an honor to be in the NFL. You most definitely want to make a name for yourself and remain humble at the same time,” Butler said. “It’s about being a good football player and being able to produce and set great examples.”

Butler avoided a sophomore slump by being a student of the game and learning from those around him. He said playing isn’t a problem, but he works on anything he can to get better each and every week.

As he amassed greater responsibilities with the Patriots, he knew his team was depending on him more to deliver on the field, which he did.

Butler recorded 67 total tackles, picked off two passes and deflected 15 during the regular season. He started at cornerback in every game this season, and usually was matched up against the other team’s top wide receiver.

Against the New York Giants in Week 10, he was tasked with defending Odell Beckham Jr. Butler held the superstar wideout to just four catches on 12 targets and had three pass deflections.

Butler recorded his first regular-season interception against Jacksonville and had a season high of eight tackles against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 6.

Butler also played well against the Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos. In the regular season meeting between the two, Butler made seven tackles and deflected one pass. In the rematch in the AFC championship game, Butler had six total tackles and two pass deflections.

Unfortunately, the Patriots lost both games and had their reign as NFL champions come to an end.

Butler and six other New England teammates were selected to play in the Pro Bowl, but all of them decided to skip the NFL’s annual all-star game in Hawaii.

“I could’ve played a lot better but it didn’t turn out that way,” Butler said. “It’s a team effort and we’ll be back next year.”

This offseason figures to be more about football than last year’s post-Super Bowl tour. Butler’s last-minute interception at the goal line clinched the Super Bowl XLIX victory for New England and turned him into a celebrity who was in demand.

He was nominated for a 2015 ESPY for best play, as well as favorite newcomer for Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Sports Awards. He was a presenter at the Grammy Awards, the star of a parade at Disneyland and in his hometown of Vicksburg, and made dozens of other appearances around the country.

Butler also brought his talents back to Vicksburg to host his inaugural football camp last July, and his image as a native Mississippian was used to endorse Proposition 42.

“Throwing the camp shows you never forget where you came from. I know those kids and everybody from Vicksburg is excited to see me on TV. It keeps me going knowing people are watching,” Butler said.

After instant notoriety, an athlete’s flame can burn out due to expectations of proving they belong in the league. Butler handled his newfound attention with the only way he knows how, by being himself.

“I can’t be no one else or be anything I don’t want to be,” Butler said. “It’s hard not being yourself.”

Although Butler entered the league in a more unorthodox way than most and said it’s harder to get to the NFL, sticking around is a job in itself.

Butler said he’ll spend the next six months dissecting his play on the field to develop his game and continue to soar as a Patriot, as he’s done all season.

“When I get to the film room, everything will be in my face right there,” Butler said. “I’ll be doing a lot of work this offseason.”