Who Kicks for Kansas City Chiefs?
In any NFL team, the kicker is a crucial player. They are responsible for scoring points through field goals, extra points, and kickoffs. The Kansas City Chiefs, one of the most successful teams in the league, have had several talented kickers over the years. In this article, we will discuss the current Chiefs kicker, Harrison Butker, his journey, and his contributions to the team.
A Brief History of Kansas City Chiefs Kickers
The Kansas City Chiefs have had some notable kickers in their history, including Jan Stenerud, who was the first kicker to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Nick Lowery, who played for the Chiefs from 1980-1993, was the NFL’s all-time leader in field goal percentage when he retired. Another noteworthy kicker for the Chiefs is Ryan Succop, who holds the record for the longest field goal in Chiefs history, a 66-yarder. The current Chiefs kicker, Harrison Butker, has added his name to this list of talented players.
Current Kicker for Kansas City Chiefs: Harrison Butker
In 2017, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Harrison Butker as an undrafted free agent after releasing their former kicker, Cairo Santos. Butker had previously played for the Carolina Panthers, who drafted him in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Butker quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s top kickers, hitting his first 23 field goals, including a game-winning field goal against the Washington Redskins in his Chiefs debut.
Profile of Harrison Butker
Harrison Butker was born on July 14, 1995, in Decatur, Georgia. He played college football at Georgia Tech, where he became the school’s all-time leading scorer. Butker is 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 205 pounds. He is known for his strong leg and accuracy, which have helped him become one of the most reliable kickers in the league.
Butker’s Career Highlights
Harrison Butker has had a successful career so far, with several milestones and records. In 2017, he set the Chiefs franchise record for consecutive field goals made with 23. He also set the NFL record for the most points scored in a player’s first three games, with 59 points. In 2018, he set another Chiefs franchise record for the most field goals made in a season with 39.
Butker’s Statistics and Rankings
As of the end of the 2020 NFL season, Harrison Butker has made 141 out of 162 field goal attempts, with a success rate of 87.0%. He has made 207 out of 211 extra point attempts, with a success rate of 98.1%. He has been ranked as one of the top kickers in the league, currently ranked 11th by NFL.com. He has also been selected to the Pro Bowl twice, in 2019 and 2020.
Butker’s Contract and Salary
Harrison Butker signed a five-year contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2019, worth $20.3 million. This makes him one of the highest-paid kickers in the league. His base salary for the 2021 season is $1.1 million, with a signing bonus of $3.5 million and a roster bonus of $1.6 million.
Butker’s Training and Preparation
Harrison Butker takes his training and preparation seriously, working with kicking coach Jamie Kohl in the offseason. He also practices with his holder and long snapper to perfect their timing and accuracy. Butker credits his success to his mental preparation, saying that he visualizes himself making every kick before he steps onto the field.
Butker’s Personal Life
Off the field, Harrison Butker is a family man, married to his wife, Isabelle. The couple has one son, James. Butker is active on social media, often sharing photos of his family and his life as an NFL player. He is also involved in charity work, supporting organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club and the Special Olympics.
Butker’s Role in the Team
Harrison Butker’s role in the Kansas City Chiefs team is crucial, as he is responsible for scoring points and ensuring that the team has the best field position possible. He works closely with the holder and long snapper to ensure that the timing and accuracy of his kicks are perfect. Butker’s consistency and reliability have made him a valuable asset to the team.
Butker’s Future with Kansas City Chiefs
Harrison Butker’s future with the Kansas City Chiefs looks bright, as he is under contract until 2024. He has established himself as one of the best kickers in the league and has become an integral part of the Chiefs team. As the team continues to strive for success, Butker’s contributions will be crucial.
Conclusion: The Importance of the Kicker in NFL
In conclusion, the kicker in NFL may not be the most glamorous position, but it is crucial to a team’s success. Harrison Butker, the current kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, has demonstrated his importance to the team through his accuracy, consistency, and reliability. As the Chiefs continue to pursue success, Butker will play a vital role in achieving their goals.
