FOXBOROUGH — Some football players receive their big break when a starter suffers an injury. Others simply pay their dues as a backup before positional vacancies thrust them into a starting role.
For Patriots defensive tackle Adam Butler, it was a fiery passion for ribs that helped him get his shot at an NFL career.
A center during his redshirt freshman season at Vanderbilt University, Butler partook in a team-wide rib-eating contest during the spring of 2013. His keen eye caught the opposing group ripping bones out of uneaten ribs and counting them toward their final tally. When the Texas native spotted the suspicious behavior and learned that his group had lost, he spoke up.
“[Defensive coordinator Bob] Shoop was all about attitude,” Butler recalled. “He was all about attitude and he loved my attitude. When I stood up and took charge for my group because I didn’t think that the judgment was fair on the contest, he liked that, so he said, ‘Bring him over. I want that attitude on my defense.’ My career started from there.”
Butler took to life as a defensive lineman. Oscillating between tackle and end, the 6-foot-5-inch, 300-pound behemoth showcased consistent improvement in each of his four seasons as a Commodore, notching 31 tackles (7½ for loss) and a team-high four sacks as a fifth-year senior in 2016.
Still, Butler went undrafted. Perhaps, much like the rib debacle, it was just another blessing in disguise.
New England signed Butler as a free agent just days after the 2017 draft. Ten days into training camp and the cordial 23-year-old is already turning heads.
“When I came in, I came in humble,” Butler said. “I wasn’t drafted — I didn’t care about any of that stuff. I just came in with the mentality [that] no matter what my circumstances were coming in, I was going to work my tail off until I got to where I wanted to be. By no means am I complacent. I’m just grateful for the opportunity I have now.”
Butler’s work ethic is paying dividends. On Monday during a joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Butler took snaps with New England’s starting goal-line defensive unit. He flaunted impressive, nimble hands during one-on-one drills with Jaguars offensive linemen.
Making the 53-man roster is far from a guarantee. Though Butler’s path to consistent playing time remains blocked by Alan Branch, Malcom Brown, and Lawrence Guy, the rookie is eager to soak in whatever he can from the veterans surrounding him.
“I normally try to learn indirectly,” Butler said. “I try to pay attention to what guys like Malcom Brown do, Lawrence Guy and Trey Flowers. I definitely look up to those guys and I really just try to do what’s right and follow their lead. I’m thankful to be here.’’
A different look
Patriots fans were treated to a familiar sight during 11-on-11 drills with the Jaguars, Monday morning. Cornerback Malcolm Butler jumped a route run by receiver Allen Robinson, then intercepted the ensuing pass from an unsuspecting Blake Bortles.
Cornerbacks are some of the greatest beneficiaries of the joint practices the Patriots have made a habit of scheduling each year during training camp. Though battling against teammates can be valuable, getting accustomed to the looks different quarterbacks provide is paramount for a defensive back.
“It’s good to see someone else,” Butler said. “[You] get tired of fighting each other [and] pushing each other on days like this, so it’s great to have another team in here. They let you know where you are as a team. It’s different when you’re going against somebody else instead of your teammates.”
Battling the 6-3 Robinson allows Butler to simulate covering some of the other tall receivers New England will face in 2017. Though training camp for a cornerback can feel isolating — 1-on-1 drills in the open field against speedy receivers can lead to embarrassment — Butler enjoys the competitive nature of the summertime wars.
“It’s good competition out there,” he said. “I most definitely got winded out there going hard each and every play but that’s what we need. [I] treat everybody the same: big, small, tall, [it] doesn’t matter.
“We have some big opponents coming up this year and we’re getting ready for any situation with Jacksonville here. We’ll be ready as a team.”
Signup celebration
Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona ditched his football uniform quickly after practice Monday, switching into his Navy uniform to perform a re-enlistment ceremony for a pair of sailors he works with in Newport, who were on hand for Military Appreciation Day at practice. Cardona, an ensign, said he “jumped at the chance” to perform the re-enlistment. In all, more than 80 service members were on hand at practice and both teams visited with them after the workout and to witness the re-enlistment. Asked about the quick change of duds, Cardona said, “I just felt like all I needed was a phone booth to get it done real fast.’’ . . . Coach Bill Belichick and Jaguars boss Tom Coughlin chatted during warmups . . . Jacksonville running back Tyler Gaffney caught up with some former teammates and Patriots staffers after practice . . . As reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss, Kraft recently gave Tom Brady’s mother, Galynn, a Super Bowl ring. Galynn, who finished treatments for cancer in April, attended Super Bowl LI, the only game she attended last season. “It was great surprise to all of us when the ring showed up,’’ Brady told Reiss. “She deserves it.’’