Harrison Butker is remaining with the Kansas City Chiefs.
The kicker has inked a new four-year contract worth $25.6 million that ensures his presence with the franchise until 2028, as reported by various sources. Butker negotiated the terms independently, without the assistance of a lawyer or agent, according to ESPN.
This agreement positions Butker as the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, surpassing the standard set by Baltimore’s Justin Tucker in 2022.
Butker, who secured the game-winning field goal in Kansas City’s Super Bowl win two years back, confirmed the contract via X, stating: “There’s no place I’d rather be than with the Chiefs, excited to finalize a 4-year extension. To the Heights!”
Throughout his seven seasons with the Chiefs, Butker has been highly effective, converting 89.1% of his field goals (197 out of 221) and achieving 70% success (28 for 40) on attempts from over 50 yards. He has played a crucial role in the team’s significant playoff achievements, successfully making 32 of 36 field goals (88.9%) and 62 of 65 extra points (95.4%) during postseason play, contributing to three Super Bowl championships.
This offseason has seen Butker’s profile soar following his contentious commencement address at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. In his speech, he suggested that many women graduating might be more enthusiastic about marriage and family, criticized some Catholic leaders for imposing “dangerous gender ideologies” on young people, alluded to a “deadly sin of pride” referencing Pride month, and expressed opposition to President Joe Biden’s policies, particularly regarding the Supreme Court’s reversal of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.
The three-time Super Bowl champion stated that he stands by his beliefs and has encountered both support and “a shocking level of hate” following his remarks.
Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs’ star quarterback and considered the premier player in the NFL, voiced his disagreement with Butker’s statements while defending his teammate’s character.
“There are certain things he said that I don’t necessarily agree with, but I appreciate the person he is and how he strives to guide others in a positive direction,” Mahomes said in May.
In the aftermath, Butker’s jersey has become one of the top-selling jerseys in the league.
With their kicker secured, the Chiefs are now focusing on their quest for a historic third consecutive Super Bowl victory.
