Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker missed an extra point for the first time in nearly two years during the Chiefs’ 22-17 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night. The missed PAT came after Patrick Mahomes connected with JuJu Smith-Schuster for a touchdown in the third quarter. While the missed point didn’t ultimately affect the outcome of the game, it sparked reactions from fans, especially those critical of Butker due to recent off-field controversies.
Butker, widely regarded as one of the league’s most reliable kickers, had not missed an extra point since 2022. However, this rare misstep gave his detractors a reason to take to social media, many referencing a divisive speech Butker gave earlier this year.
In May, Butker delivered a commencement address at Benedictine College that stirred controversy, particularly for comments regarding women and their roles in society. During the speech, Butker said, “I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you. Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. I can tell you that my beautiful wife Isabelle would be the first to say her life truly started when she started living her vocation as a wife and as a mother.”
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The comments sparked backlash, with many accusing Butker of undermining the importance of women’s careers and promoting outdated gender roles. Although Butker stood by his words, the speech has since followed him, drawing both criticism and support from different corners of the internet.
When Butker missed the extra point on Sunday, many critics, both men and women, were quick to jump on social media to react. For some, it was a moment of schadenfreude.
“Seeing Butker fail,” one woman tweeted, accompanied by a picture of someone smiling smugly. Another Chiefs fan joked, “My mom after Butker missed the PAT: ‘Someone needs to go and make him a sandwich,'” mocking Butker’s earlier comments about traditional gender roles.
One user poked fun at the missed kick by saying, “Falcons lost, but Butker missed an extra point and that was cool and fun!” Another commenter on TikTok sarcastically suggested, “Probably should quit kicking and get back to the kitchen so his life can truly start!” Another tweet declared, “That was for women everywhere,” celebrating the missed kick.
Despite the online ridicule, Butker still has a solid fanbase. His performance as a kicker remains among the best in the NFL, and his jersey was one of the league’s top sellers between March and May 2024, according to the NFLPA. Even with the vocal criticism, Butker’s loyal supporters continue to back him, appreciating his contributions to the Chiefs’ success and his reliability over the years.
While the missed extra point provided brief fuel for his critics, Butker’s overall performance on the field remains strong. The Chiefs’ win over the Falcons puts them at 3-0 for the season, and Butker, despite the controversy, continues to be a key part of Kansas City’s success.
As Butker moves forward, it’s clear that his performance will remain under the microscope, both on and off the field. Whether it’s his kicks or his public statements, the veteran kicker will continue to face scrutiny from those eager to see him succeed—or stumble.
