Harrison Butker has signed a new contract with the Kansas City Chiefs that makes him the highest-paid kicker in the NFL, just months after his controversial anti-abortion speech
Harrison Butker has inked a new contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, making him the highest-earning kicker in the NFL.
On Monday, Butker agreed to a multi-year extension with the Chiefs worth a staggering $25.6 million over four years. The deal includes a guaranteed $17.75 million and ensures that Butker will continue to kick at Arrowhead until the 2028 season.
This lucrative deal propels Butker to the top of the list of highest-paid kickers in the NFL, surpassing deals worth $6 million annually earned by Philadelphia Eagles star Jake Elliott and Baltimore Ravens sensation Justin Tucker. Interestingly, the Chiefs standout reportedly represented himself during the negotiation process.
Butker has become a hero for the back-to-back Super Bowl champion Chiefs. He kicked the game-winning field goal in the 2023 AFC Championship Game against the Cincinnati Bengals and struck four field goals – including a Super Bowl record 57-yarder – in a thrilling 25-22 overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers earlier this year.
At 29, Butker has proven himself as one of the most reliable and clutch kickers in the league and an underrated component in the Chiefs machine that has powered to consecutive Super Bowl titles. With an accuracy rate of 89.1%, Butker ranks as the second-most accurate kicker in NFL history, trailing only behind Tucker.
Over his seven-season tenure, Harrison Butker has nailed an impressive 94.5% of his point-after tries. Notably, in 2022 he booted a career-long of 62 yards yet it’s his clutch play in critical moments that’s truly cemented his lucrative contract renewal.
His off-field statements clearly didnt factor into the Chiefs’ decision. Back in May, Butker provoked a storm with a fierce anti-abortion speech criticizing President Joe Biden for what he deemed hypocritical stances on LGBTQ+ issues and abortion rights. A devout Catholic, Butker faced a mixed response after advocating for women to accept their role as “homemaker”.
Harrison Butker made the longest field goal in Super Bowl history in the win over the 49ers to seal back-to-back Lombardi Trophy wins for the Chiefs (Image: Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Post-speech, as Butker tore into what he called the tyranny of diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives, his NFL Shop jersey sales surged, topping the league sales charts for a period. Nevertheless, his words split both fans and his own teammates.
Chiefs’ Travis Kelce recently sided with teammates Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid in supporting Butker but clearly marked his distance from Butker’s opinions. NFL chief Roger Goodell was firm in underscoring the league’s values against Butker’s stance.
“Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity,” Goodell said in a statement. “His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”