Harrison Butker Bio
Harrison Butker is an American professional football placekicker for the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL draft. With an 88.1% career field goal percentage, Butker is recognized as one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history, achieving notable scoring records and winning multiple Super Bowls with the Chiefs.
Early Life and Background
Harrison Butker was born on July 14, 1995, in Decatur, Georgia, to Harrison Butker Sr. and Elizabeth Keller Butker. He has an older sister and was raised in a family with a strong academic background; his maternal grandfather held faculty positions in oncology at Emory University for 28 years, and his mother has been a clinical medical physicist at Emory since 1988. Butker attended The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, where he played football, soccer, and basketball, winning three state championships in soccer. He also participated in the school’s symphonic band as a tuba player. Butker’s exposure to sports began in high school, where he picked up football as a sophomore. He quickly made a name for himself, breaking the school record for the longest field goal at the time, with a kick of 53 yards. His athletic prowess and dedication to sports laid the foundation for his future career in football. After high school, he attended the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he played for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets from 2013 to 2016.
Path to American Football
Before focusing on football, Butker initially played soccer at Georgia Tech. During his college career, he became the all-time leading scorer in school history and served as a team captain during his senior season. Butker converted 208 of 210 extra point attempts and 43 of 60 field goal attempts, showcasing his accuracy and skill. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, which reflects his commitment to both academics and athletics. Butker’s professional journey began when he was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Although he was waived shortly after, he was signed to the practice squad, where he would eventually be picked up by the Kansas City Chiefs. His transition to the NFL marked the beginning of a successful career, characterized by impressive performances and significant achievements.
Harrison Butker Career
Early Career (2017)
Harrison Butker’s professional career began with the Carolina Panthers, who drafted him in 2017. He signed a four-year contract worth $2.48 million, including a signing bonus. However, after being waived, he was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs’ practice squad. Butker made his NFL debut during a Week 4 game against the Washington Redskins, where he initially missed a field goal attempt but quickly rebounded by making three consecutive kicks, including a game-winner. In his rookie season, Butker finished with 38 of 42 field goals made and 28 extra points, earning him a spot as an alternate in the 2018 Pro Bowl. His performance established him as a reliable kicker and laid the groundwork for his future successes.
Breakthrough (2018-2020)
Butker’s breakthrough came in his second season with the Chiefs, where he solidified his reputation as one of the league’s top kickers. He led the NFL in scoring in 2019, converting 34 field goals and finishing the season with a remarkable field goal percentage. His performance earned him accolades, including AFC Special Teams Player of the Month. Butker’s contributions were pivotal during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LIV victory, where he successfully converted all extra point attempts and a crucial field goal. He continued to excel in subsequent seasons, including Super Bowl LV, where he scored all of the Chiefs’ points in a loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Notable Works and Milestones
Harrison Butker is a three-time Super Bowl champion, having won titles in Super Bowls LIV, LVII, and LVIII. He is recognized for his accuracy, with an 88.1% career field goal percentage, ranking him among the top kickers in NFL history. Butker’s performance in high-pressure situations, including game-winning field goals, has solidified his status as a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Harrison Butker Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Harrison Butker has received several nominations, including being named an alternate for the Pro Bowl in 2018 and earning recognition as AFC Special Teams Player of the Month multiple times. His consistent performance has made him a standout player in the NFL.
Harrison Butker Awards Won
Harrison Butker has achieved significant accolades during his career, including three Super Bowl championships and being named the NFL scoring leader in 2019. His accomplishments reflect his skill and dedication to the sport.
Harrison Butker Family
Harrison Butker is married and has three children. He maintains a strong family life, balancing his professional commitments with his role as a husband and father.
Personal Life
Butker is known for his involvement in various ventures outside of football. He is the co-founder and president of MDKeller, a company specializing in custom menswear. Butker is also a devout Traditionalist Catholic and has publicly expressed his views on various social issues, which have sparked both support and controversy. His speeches and public statements reflect his commitment to his beliefs and values.
