Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker delivered another clutch performance on Sunday, solidifying his reputation as one of the NFL’s most reliable kickers. Butker hit a 51-yard field goal as time expired to secure a 26-25 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. It was his second successful kick of the game, bringing him to a perfect 4-for-4 to start the season.
The Chiefs demonstrated their confidence in Butker during the final moments of the game. After getting into field goal range, they chose to run the clock down to three seconds rather than attempt to gain more yards. This strategic decision underscored the trust the coaching staff and team have in Butker’s ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
After the game, Butker shared insights into his preparation process, which has been crucial to his success in clutch moments.
“I always try to put a ton of pressure on myself during practice,” Butker explained. “Coach Reid and Coach Toub do a great job of helping me simulate game-winning scenarios. If I can make my set of eight kicks on Wednesdays and Thursdays, they feel like game-winners. During pregame warm-ups, I go through 10 kicks going both ways, and those also feel like game-winners. By the time I’m in an actual game-winning situation, nothing changes for me. I shouldn’t be surprised by a good or bad kick; it’s just repetition.”
Butker highlighted how mental focus plays a pivotal role in his performance.
“When you’re driving down the field for a game-winning kick, the focus is naturally heightened,” Butker added. “It’s impossible not to be more dialed in, and I actually expect to be more locked in during those moments. It’s about channeling all the preparation into that one kick.”
In addition to preparing for high-pressure kicks, Butker also discussed how he maintains his focus during the long stretches of time when he’s not on the field.
“When you’re on the sidelines, you can’t see the ball flight because you’re kicking into a net,” Butker noted. “You don’t really know where the ball’s going. So a few years ago, I made the decision to stop kicking for about 15-20 minutes before the game period. I trust my technique and preparation during that time. Mentally, I put a lot of pressure on myself. Having Coach Reid watching you kick in practice without music, with the whole team looking on, is like being under a microscope. There’s nowhere to hide, and that really prepares me for the pressure of game day.”
Butker’s unwavering commitment to his craft, combined with his mental toughness, has elevated him to the top of the NFL’s elite kickers. Over the past few seasons, no kicker has been as consistent or as dependable in high-stakes situations as Butker. This level of performance didn’t go unnoticed, as the Chiefs rewarded him with a record-setting contract extension during the offseason, ensuring they’ll continue to rely on his leg for years to come.
With Butker at the helm of their kicking game, the Chiefs know they have a reliable weapon who can be counted on when the game is on the line. His meticulous preparation and focus make him a vital part of the team’s continued success.