Harrison Butker

Harrison Butker, born on July 14, 1995, is a renowned American professional football kicker currently associated with the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He carved his sports niche at an early age, proving his mantle from college football and quickly proceeding into a distinguished NFL career, punctuated by notable records and accolades.

Hailing from Decatur, Georgia, Harrison was born to Harrison Butker Sr. and Elizabeth Keller Butker. He garnered his initial lessons in development and persistence from a family brimming with medical professionals. His maternal grandfather, James W. Keller, MD, spent 28 years in oncology at Emory University, while his mother, Elizabeth Keller Butker, has served as a clinical medical physicist at the same institution since 1988.

Playing under the banner of The Westminster Schools, young Harrison initially plunged into multiple sports like basketball and soccer. Nevertheless, it was not very long before he discovered his true calling in football, smashing the school record for a field goal of 53 yards. His versatility transcended athletics as he surprisingly bagged accolades in music, performing as a tuba player for the school’s symphonic band.

Back in college, Harrison continued to shape his football future while playing for Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets under coach Paul Johnson from 2013 through 2016. He left a commendable mark as the all-time leading scorer in school history, captaining the team during his senior season. His 208 successful extra point attempts out of 210 and 43 out of 60 field goal attempts contributed immensely to his reputation and caught the attention of NFL scouts.

Harrison’s professional journey took off when he got drafted in the seventh round by the Carolina Panthers in the 2017 NFL draft. However, his tenure with the Panthers was brief as he was waived and further signed by the Kansas City Chiefs later that year. Harrison’s debut ensued with highs and lows, but his impressive perfection over time marked an uncanny journey—achieving AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors and AFC Special Teams Player of the Month recognition.

The talented kicker’s second professional season witnessed a career-high extra point conversion. With a never-back-down approach, Harrison redefined his NFL career by signing a five-year contract extension worth $20.3 million with the Chiefs in 2019. His stellar performance continued, bagging the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week and Player of the Month honors. Amid all this, he also emerged as the top NFL scorer in regular-season field goals in 2019 and won his first Super Bowl in Super Bowl LIV.

His achievements never seemed to halt, despite facing some career losses and trouble due to COVID-19 and an ankle injury. Even on returning post-injury, he broke the Chiefs’ franchise record with a 62-yard field goal. And in retrospect, despite statistically the worst season of his career due to his injury, he secured a career-defining moment with a 27-yard game-winning field goal in Super Bowl LVII, marking his second Super Bowl win.

Harrison further enhanced his performance in the following season. His consistency saw him make a massive 33-of-35 attempts, setting a career high in field goal percentage at 94.3%. He also became the player with the longest made field goal in Super Bowl history and most career field goals in the Super Bowl. A spectacular win in Super Bowl LVIII earned him his third and second consecutive Super Bowl victory.

Away from the field, the celebrated kicker fits into manifold roles. Butker is a devoted husband and father to three children. He also co-founded MDKeller, where he operates as the president and chief operating officer. Among the firm’s subsidiaries is Shepherd’s, specializing in custom menswear, underlining Harrison’s entrepreneurial streak.

On a spiritual and personal level, Butker professed a dip-and-rise journey with his Catholic faith. He pertinently uses his platform to voice his viewpoints on various matters, serving on the Board of Directors for Regina Caeli Academy. His unique blend of an athletic career and faith also finds expression in his addresses, such as at Benedictine College’s commencement.

Harrison Butker’s life resonates as a tale of grit and passion. From a versatile student to an NFL star, Harrison’s career trajectory not only embodies a successful footballer’s journey but also reflects his multifaceted persona off-the-pitch, solidifying his place in NFL history.