The future of kicker Harrison Butker with the Kansas City Chiefs is under scrutiny after a series of missed kicks during the current season. Over the past eight seasons, Butker has built a reputation as one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL, boasting a career field goal percentage of 88.0%, which ranks third among active kickers, according to Pro Football Reference. However, his performance has noticeably declined, raising questions among fans and analysts alike.
In the 2024 season, Butker struggled due to injuries, missing a total of six kicks, including four field goals and two extra points (PATs). This trend has continued into the current 2025 season, where he has already missed five kicks—three field goals and two PATs—in just five games. Each match has been marred by some form of inaccuracy, a concerning development for a player with his track record.
The most recent incident, a poorly executed kickoff in a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, put the Chiefs at a disadvantage by allowing the Jaguars a favorable position for their game-winning drive. Social media quickly erupted with criticism, with many fans calling for Butker’s removal from the team.
Despite the backlash, the Chiefs’ coaching staff remains supportive of Butker. Special teams coach Dave Toub addressed the ongoing issues, stating, “We’re going to keep working…obviously, we don’t like misses…everybody can see it, but we’re going to keep working.”
Head coach Andy Reid echoed this sentiment, employing a golf analogy to illustrate Butker’s current struggles. “Like any golfer, sometimes you’re hitting it good, and other times it’s off. You keep swinging, man. He’s a talented kid, tough, mentally tough. I’m not really worried about him,” Reid remarked.
While concerns about Butker’s consistency are valid, it is important to note that none of his missed kicks have directly cost the Chiefs a game so far. With 12 regular-season games remaining, Butker has ample opportunities to redeem himself and demonstrate that this rough patch is merely a temporary setback rather than a sign of a deeper decline.
As the season progresses, the Chiefs and their fans will be closely watching Butker’s performance. For now, he retains the confidence of his coaches, but the pressure is mounting to return to form. The coming weeks will be crucial for Butker, who will need to prove that he can continue to be a reliable asset for the team.