Kansas City Chiefs’ star kicker Harrison Butker has inked a four-year contract extension worth $26 million, becoming the highest-paid kicker in the NFL on a per-year basis. ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter made the revelation on Monday. The lucrative extension was negotiated personally by Butker, who also secured a guaranteed $17.75 million. Butker’s new deal comes after another stellar season that saw him rank high in field goal percentage, extra-point percentage, and total points.
The lucrative contract follows his commencement speech at Benedictine College. Butker attributed his success to his wife, who embraced the title of homemaker, and condemned Pride Month and President Joe Biden’s pro-abortion policies. His remarks triggered wide-ranging reaction, including from celebrities like Katy Perry, Chelsea Handler, and Serena Williams. A Change.org petition even called for the Chiefs to drop him, garnering almost 240,000 signatures.
Despite the backlash, Butker stood his ground, asserting that the controversy would not dissuade him from being unapologetic about his faith. He noted the criticism he has received has more to do with his religious beliefs than his on-field performance. Despite the backlash, Butker’s deal signals that his team, colleagues, and the Chiefs’ leadership continue to stand behind himand support his right to express his religious beliefs.