NFL panel of Johnathan Joseph, Malcolm Butler, Tyus Bowser, Denzel Perryman, Justin Allen, Ronald Ollie share knowledge

KATY – Malcolm Butler was an undrafted free agent from West Alabama, a Division II college.

He was the definition of overlooked, emerging later as a Super Bowl hero and Pro Bowl selection for the New England Patriots.

He just needed an opportunity.

“Continued to work hard during the draft and just needed an opportunity,” Butler recounted Saturday during an NFL panel at Dick’s Sporting Goods. “I am retired. I did the best I can do. Walking away from the game feeling comfortable. Everybody can do more, but I’m satisfied with my career. It’s time to move on and transition.”

Butler, retired now and living in Missouri City and the owner of two Super Bowl rings, shared his message of perseverance during a conversation that included Baltimore Ravens linebacker Tyus Bowser, a former second-round draft pick from the University of Houston, retired Texans Pro Bowl corner Johnathan Joseph, Texans linebacker Denzel Perryman, elite trainer Justin Allen, the brother of retired NFL tight end Dwayne Allen, and former Las Vegas Raiders and CFL defensive lineman Ronald Ollie of Last Chance U fame on Netflix.

“I feel like I had the opportunity to give some type of advice, kind of talk about my journey, my experience and help the next person coming up,” Perryman told KPRC 2 after the discussion concluded. “I rushed to it. A lot of people don’t get this opportunity to show up at Dick’s Sporting Goods and talk with four NFL guys. It’s pretty rare and random. When I got the text and call, I said, ‘I’ll be there.’”

Ollie emphasized needing ‘attention to detail’ and being mindful of who you hang around to the crowd in attendance and being serious on and off the field.

“I had a chance to be drafted in the first round,” said Joseph, who signed with the Texans as a free agent after being selected by the Cincinnati Bengals. “For me, it happened quick. It was all spinning pretty fast. The moment I was drafted, it’s a business. I was drafted in the first round, and the ball was rolling.

“Every day in the NFL, you have to earn your keep. Now that you’re drafted, you have to learn how to last and how to do your job. It’s a bunch of grown men looking to feed your family. It’s a challenge you have take on head-on and be thankful every day that you have a job in the NFL.”

Bowser was sidelined last season with a knee injury and underwent surgery. He emphasized that he expects to make a full recovery for next season after dealing with fluid in his knee last year. Ideally, he would like to remain with the Ravens.

“I wasn’t expected to be drafted high,” Bowser said. “I just put my head down and started working. Everyone is trying to provide for their families. As a second-round player, you have undrafted guys trying to make something happen.

“You have to understand it’s a business. You’re talking about grown men with kids with a wife and they got to put food on their plate, simple as that.”

Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com.