Harrison Butker was at the center of a social media storm after missing an early extra point in the Kansas City Chiefs’ Christmas Day clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The miss came after Patrick Mahomes opened the scoring with a seven-yard touchdown pass to rookie Xavier Worthy.
Harrison Butker Disappoints Fans Amidst Patrick Mahomes’ Heroics
Butker’s wide-right attempt and Worthy’s unsportsmanlike conduct penalty left the Chiefs disappointed despite their opening-drive TD. Mahomes tried to put the starting horrors behind them with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Justin Watson on the next drive.
The TD was set up by a 49-yard Mahomes special to Watson, a reminder of why the Chiefs are vying for a three-peat in the Super Bowl. Still, all eyes — and criticisms — were on Butker for his kicking performance. Fans wasted no time roasting the Chiefs’ kicker on X. “Harrison Butker isn’t ready to be back,” one fan quipped.
Harrison Butker isn't ready to be back
— Pat (@PJC732) December 25, 2024
“Harrison Butker is washed,” said another.
Harrison Butker is washed
— LetsAllLaughAtLAWSChampSportsFan24 (@guythanosddd) December 25, 2024
One NFL enthusiast joked, “It’ll be so delicious if the difference in this game is a missed Harrison butker extra point.”
It’ll be so delicious if the difference in this game is a missed Harrison butker extra point
— Will Cleveland (@WillCleveland13) December 25, 2024
One fan wrote, “Is Harrison Butker not the same kicker on this side of that surgery?”
Is Harrison Butker not the same kicker on this side of that surgery?
— Arrowhead Addict (@ArrowheadAddict) December 25, 2024
One more X user tweeted, “Harrison Butker earned a new hater today I know that much.”
Harrison Butker earned a new hater today I know that much
— barry zuckerkorn (@himothychalamet) December 25, 2024
“Harrison Butker failing his team,” wrote another while attaching a meme that said, “I Love It.”
Harrison Butker failing his team pic.twitter.com/H4btzEB6ZS
— Herb Lawrence (@Ecnerwal23) December 25, 2024
The Chiefs remain the NFL’s top team with a league-best record (14-1). However, Butker’s misstep was a glaring flaw for head coach Andy Reid. Meanwhile, the Steelers are leaning on their No. 7-scoring defense to keep the game close. The game is setting up what many predicted to be a low-scoring slugfest.
Is Harrison Butker Not Fully Fit After Knee Surgery?
The Chiefs kicker has been struggling with fitness following knee surgery. While reassurances have been given by special teams coordinator Dave Toub about Butker’s readiness, his performance has been inconsistent since returning from a torn meniscus. He missed a 29-yard field goal against the Cleveland Browns in Week 15 and now the extra point against the Steelers.
Toub took responsibility for the mishap against the Browns, explaining miscommunication among the kicking unit, which caused Butker to rush the attempt. “It wasn’t his injury,” Toub said. “I’ll take the blame.” However, fans noted his left knee buckled during the kick, igniting questions about his readiness.
"That leg buckled once again."
– Ian Eagle on Harrison Butker's missed 29-yard field goal pic.twitter.com/JxBE7QeOhu
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 15, 2024
Before his injury, Butker was nearly flawless. He had converted 18 of 20 field-goal attempts, and his accuracy from beyond 50 yards was commendable.