Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made headlines this offseason with off-field controversies. However, ahead of their Week 1 game against the Baltimore Ravens, Chiefs fans are more concerned about Butker’s performance on the field. As Chiefs insider Pete Sweeney reported, the talented kicker has increased his range to over 60 yards against the wind, according to special teams coordinator Dave Toub.
Chiefs’ Dave Toub says K Harrison Butker’s range is now over 55 yards against the wind.
— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) 2 September 2024
That shouldn’t come as a surprise to Chiefs fans who have followed Butker’s progress year after year. He has continued to increase his range over the seasons, with last year’s Thursday Night Football against the Broncos seeing him kick a 55-yard field goal with plenty of room to spare, underscoring his ability to kick even further.
That wasn’t even his longest field goal. In 2022, after returning from his ankle injury against the Buffalo Bills, Butker made a 62-yard field goal, breaking the Arrowhead Stadium record. That was only the 15th field goal in NFL history that was 62 yards or longer.
Even more impressive, Butker kicked the longest field goal in a Super Bowl last season with a 57-yard field goal, becoming the fourth kicker in history to win three Super Bowls.
Butker made 33 of 35 field goals last season and converted all 38 of his extra point attempts. He will once again be one of the most reliable kickers in the league this season.
The Chiefs may also have other plans for Harrison Butker on special teams this season. With the new kickoff rules, Dave Toub had indicated that other players, most likely Justin Reid, could potentially take over kickoffs. Because of the new rules, the Chiefs may opt to protect Butker instead of involving him in coverage and tackling.
Regardless of whether he is the primary kickoff player or not, Butker will undoubtedly be one of the most consistent players for Kansas City starting in Week 1.
