BLOOMINGTON, Minn. – A total of 253 players were picked in the 2017 NFL Draft, and Vanderbilt's Adam Butler wasn't one of them.
The Patriots ended up signing Butler as an undrafted free agent after the draft, but questions followed him to Foxborough, Mass. The defensive lineman was considered a longshot to make the roster of the defending Super Bowl champs.
"I remember when my parents asked me, 'What are you going to do now?,'" Butler said. "I told them, 'I am going to go to New England, and I am going to make the team. And I am going to help the team.'"
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"They knew I was going for it, and they were 100 percent behind me."
Butler made the 53-man roster, and he's played all 18 games during New England's run to the Super Bowl LII. He's started six games for the Patriots, and he's been a successful pass-rushing interior lineman.
Butler tallied 19 tackles and two sacks during the regular season, and he's had sacks in both of the team's playoff games – against the Titans and Jaguars.
"Adam has done a good job, and he did a good job for Vanderbilt," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "He played a lot of different positions there. He played defensive end, he played defensive tackle. I talked to the coaches down there (at Vanderbilt) and they had a lot of good things to say about him, how he worked and how he prepared.
"He has done a good job for us."
Butler, who began his collegiate career as an offensive lineman, had 31 total tackles, 18 solo stops, 7.5 tackles for loss and a team-high four quarterback sacks in his final season at Vanderbilt. He suspects he won over Belichick when he visited Nashville last March, and attended the school's Pro Day.
Butler spent two hours with Belichick even before his on-field tests, watching game tape.
"He was basically just testing me, making sure I knew the game plan," Butler said of Belichick. "We talked football for two hours straight."
On Sunday, Butler will play in the Super Bowl against the Philadelphia Eagles.
Here this week, he told a story about how frustrated he was as a seldom-used player in middle school, and the day he dropped his helmet and walked off the field.
His father then challenged him, and he became a fighter.
Now, he's preparing for a Super Bowl.
"It is surreal, man," Butler said. "My breath is taken away. I don't know how to describe it. I am just glad to be here."
The Tennessee Titans take on the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga. (AP Photos)
The helmets of the St. Louis Rams, left, and Tennessee Titans flank the Vince Lombardi Trophy, which will be awarded to the winner of Sunday's Super Bowl XXXIV, at a news conference in Atlanta Sunday, Jan. 28, 2000. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) leads the offense against the St. Louis Rams defense during an NFL game in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. The Rams defeated the Titans 23-16 in Super Bowl XXXIV on January 30, 2000 (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Tennessee Titans coach Jeff Fisher listens to a reporter's question during the team's media session Thursday morning, Jan. 27, 2000 in Atlanta. Fisher and the Titans face the St. Louis Rams in Sunday's Super Bowl XXXIV. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Night falls over the Georgia Dome and the city of Atlanta on Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2000. The Georgia Dome is the site of Super Bowl XXXIV which will feature the St. Louis Rams against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday. (AP Photo/Dave Martin)
The last-minute preparations for Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory over the Tennessee Titans on January 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
The last-minute preparations for Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory over the Tennessee Titans on January 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans mascot and cheerleaders seen during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans by the score of 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) takes the field before Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory over on Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
The Tennessee Titans run onto the field during the player introductions before a 23 - 16 loss to the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV on January 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Cheerleaders and teammates greet Tennessee Titan running back Eddie George during pre-game introductions at the Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta on January 30, 2000. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Celebrated by fireworks and cheerleaders, the Tennessee Titans enter the field in a panoramic view at Super Bowl XXXIV January 30, 2000 in Atlanta. The St. Louis Rams defeated the Titans 23 - 16. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) enters the field amid cheerleaders and fireworks at Super Bowl XXXIV January 30, 2000 in Atlanta. The St. Louis Rams defeated theTitans 23 - 16. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Singer Faith Hill sings the National Anthem before the St. Louis Rams 23 - 16 victory over the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV on January 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Singer Phil Collins performs at halftime of Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory over the Tennessee Titans on January 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tina Turner performs during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans by the score of 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Lights-out halftime entertainment includes a full orchestra at Super Bowl XXXIV January 30, 2000 in Atlanta. The St. Louis Rams defeated the Tennessee Titans 23 - 16. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Dancers perform in the pregame show before Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory over the Tennessee Titans on January 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Christina Aguilera, left, and Enrique Iglesias perform during the halftime show at Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans by the score of 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
County music singer Travis Tritt performs in the pregame show before Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory over the Tennessee Titans on January 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
St. Louis Rams defenders Jay Williams (96) and Leonard Little (57) stop Tennessee Titans wide receiver Derrick Mason (85) during the first quarter of Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta, Sunday, Jan. 30, 2000. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
St. Louis Rams middle linebacker London Fletcher (59) pulls down Tennessee Titans tight end Frank Wycheck in the third quarter of Super Bowl XXXIV at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Sunday, Jan. 30, 2000. The Rams beat the Titans, 23-16.(AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Derrick Mason (85) runs the ball during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) carries the ball during Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) gets set to throw a pass during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher huddles with his defense during an NFL Super Bowl XXXIV game against the St. Louis Rams on Jan. 30, 2000. The Rams defeated the Titans 23-16. (Allen Kee via AP)
St. Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner (13) throws a pass over Tennessee Titans defensive end Jevon Kearse (90) during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titan safety Blaine Biship arrives at his designated target, St Louis Rams quarterback Kurt Warner a split second too late as Warner's pass is away. Action in first quarter of Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 2000. Al Messerschmidt/NFL Photos (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
The Tennessee Titans cheerleaders perform before Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23-16 Titans loss to the St. Louis Rams on January 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
The Tennessee Titans cheerleaders perform before Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23-16 Titans loss to the St. Louis Rams on January 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
The Tennessee Titans cheerleaders perform before Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23-16 Titans loss to the St. Louis Rams on January 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) huddles with head coach Jeff Fisher during an NFL Super Bowl XXXIV game against the St. Louis Rams on Jan. 30, 2000. The Rams defeated the Titans 23-16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) and running back Lorenzo Neal (41) are seen during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23â€"16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) runs the ball during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
The Tennessee Titans and St. Louis Rams square off in Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 Rams victory on January 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans fans show support for running back Eddie George during Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 loss to the St. Louis Rams on Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) in action during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans by the score of 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) runs the ball during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans linebackers Joe Bowden (58) and Barron Wortham (52) are seen in action during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans guard Bruce Matthews (74) lines up while quarterback Steve McNair (9) changes the play during Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory on Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) looks downfield during Super Bowl XXXIV, a 23 - 16 St. Louis Rams victory Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher seen on the sideline during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans by the score of 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair celebrates a touchdown against the St Louis Rams at Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 2000. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George (27) runs the ball during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) avoids a tackle from St. Louis Rams line backer Mike Morton (58) during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tennessee Titan quarterback Steve McNair (9) runs from St Louis Ram linebacker London Fletcher at Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta on Jan. 30, 2000. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair (9) runs the ball during Super Bowl XXXIV Jan. 30, 2000, at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The Rams defeated the Titans 23–16. (Allen Kee via AP)
Tenessee Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson (87) is tackled just short of the goal by St. Louis Rams' Mike Jones, left, on the last play of Super Bowl XXXIV at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta Sunday, Jan. 30, 2000. St. Louis defeated Tennessee 23-16. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson (87) of the reaches for the goal line in the final play of the fourth quarter while wrapped up by St. Louis Rams linebacker Mike Jones during Super Bowl XXXIV. The Rams defeated the Titans 23-16 in the Geaogia Dome in Atlanta on January 30, 2000. (AP Photo/Kevin Terrell)
Tennessee Titans wide receiver Kevin Dyson (87) tries but fails to get the ball into the end zone as he is tackled by St. Louis Rams' Mike Jones (52) on the final play of Super Bowl XXXIV on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2000, in Atlanta. The Rams won 23-16. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair talks with the press after Super Bowl XXXIV January 30, 2000 in Atlanta. The St. Louis Rams defeated the Titans 23 - 16. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans running back Eddie George talks with the media following the Titans 23 - 16 loss to the St. Louis Rams in Super Bowl XXXIV on January 30, 2000 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia. (Al Messerschmidt via AP)
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair meets with the press after Super Bowl XXXIV in Atlanta. The St. Louis Rams defeated the Titans 23 - 16. (AP Photo / Al Messerschmidt)
