New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick has insisted that Malcolm Butler's Super Bowl heroics have not changed him as a person.

The 25-year-old made the goalline interception that handed the Patriots the Vince Lombardi trophy in their triumph over the Seattle Seahawks.

Despite the attention brought by the play, Belichick is adamant that the character and attitude of the cornerback has not been changed following his strong displays in training camp.

Belichick told WEEI: "I think Malcolm overall has had a real good off-season. I think he, as much as any player that I've been around, has really not changed very much from year one to year two.

"I think he's maintained his level of humility, his lifestyle, his sense of purpose. In a lot of ways, he acts like a rookie out there, like he's starting all over again. Which, in a lot of ways, that's the way it is for all of us; we're all starting all over again.

"I think Malcolm has had a real good perspective and has worked hard. He's had a good camp and I think he'll be ready to go."

Butler was held out of the first few practices of the off-season after he was a late arrival for the Patriots' organised team activities.