Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker Shares How His Faith Keeps Him Grounded At 'Stronger Men's Conference'

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker attended the Christian-themed "Stronger Men’s Conference" in Springfield, Mo., to discuss how his faith helps his NFL career.

Speaking with Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO), Butker shared the intricacies of how he deals with the mental aspect of his game. He mentioned that because he has so much downtime during the game, he’s made it a point to make sure his mind stays constantly sharp.

"You get out to the field at least two hours early and start warming up… then you’re sitting on the bench for the majority of the game," Butker said. "That's a lot of time in your thoughts on the sidelines. One thing that’s really helped me is staying focused on what I can control. The mental side has really helped me have a consistent career."

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - FEBRUARY 11: Harrison Butker #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs kicks a field goal during the NFL Super Bowl 58 football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

In addition to warming up and staying engaged with teammates, Butker (a devout Catholic) has used his faith as a way to keep himself grounded in the ups and downs of game day.

"Prayer on the sideline has helped me so much and realize, yes football is important…I am a child of God number one, I need to care what Jesus thinks about me more than anyone else. How am I as a husband, how am I as a father?" Butker said. "And when you think about that, it really takes a lot of the pressure that that stage can bring, and that's also been a big reason for my success."

Since he came into the league in 2017, Butker has been nothing but aces for Kansas City. He came up clutch in Super Bowl LVIII, in which he set the record for the longest field goal made in the NFL’s title game.

Butker said that he was somewhat surprised he converted the kick. However, he also mentioned that even if he missed that kick (or his game-tying attempt later in the game), he trusts that it’s all a part of God’s plan.

"That was a high snap. I hit a ton of ground. The ball probably should have gotten blocked, it was a low kick," Butker said. "That’s why I point to the sky after every kick because I believe that I can put in all the work in the world…but when I go out there, if it's not God’s will for it to go through the uprights I firmly believe it's not going to go through the uprights. I’d much rather miss that kick and not have the ego and pride that can come from earthly success."

Butker Said That Praising God For His Success Helps Him Not Get Caught Up In His Career

Hawley shared a story of a time when he texted Butker after a big game, and the kicker responded by saying "All for Him." The kicker elaborated on what he means when he uses that phrase.

"The way I understand is anything I’m doing…whatever it may be, it needs to be all for him. He wants us to glorify him." Butker said. "It's a reminder that this is not me this is all him, and I should be giving it all back to him."

Despite achieving so much success in good time, Butker noted that one of his favorite seasons came in 2022. That year, Butker sustained an ankle injury that knocked him out for four games, and he had a subpar year by his standards.

Butker always makes sure to thank God after making a kick. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)

Nevertheless, he believed that it strengthened his faith and allowed him to focus more on his relationship with God and his family off the field.

"I’m so thankful for that season because it did test my faith and it put me through so much adversity, (I had a choice to say), ‘I’m struggling, do I blame someone for this, or am I still thankful to God and what he’s given me no matter the circumstance?,’" Butker said. "If anything, I think it was a blessing. I was a better son of God, and I was a better husband and a better father, and I think God was telling me, ‘Harrison, stop making football your idol.’"

The Chiefs will look to win their third consecutive Super Bowl next season. If they ever need a clutch kick, they have just the right guy to do it.