Harrison Butker, the Kansas City Chiefs kicker, has recently been the subject of controversy due to offensive remarks he made during a commencement speech.
The backlash prompted some distancing from the team and teammates, yet he retained his position amid the storm. However, star tight end Travis Kelce has indicated that Butker might now face a different threat to his role due to changes in the game’s rules.
Discussing on the “New Heights” podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother Jason Kelce, Travis explained that new kickoff rules necessitate a different skill set for kickers. It’s no longer just about having a strong leg; tackling ability is becoming crucial.
“The Chiefs have considered not using Harrison Butker for all kickoffs,” Kelce noted. “It’s not a reflection on his capability to perform kickoffs, as he’s known for sending balls deep into the end zone.”
The revised rules aim to make kickoffs more competitive and safe, increasing the likelihood that kickers might need to tackle returners. This shift has brought attention to safety Justin Reid as a potential alternative for kickoff duties. Reid, known for his defensive skills, has also demonstrated proficiency in kicking.
“I think [Head Coach] Andy Reid is considering this because we have Justin Reid, who’s kicked a field goal before and is one of our best tacklers,” Kelce shared.
Harrison Butker, who joined the NFL and the Chiefs in 2017, boasts an impressive record of 627 kickoffs with 444 resulting in touchbacks. Despite this, the potential of utilizing Justin Reid highlights a strategic shift influenced by the new kickoff rules and possibly, the ongoing distancing from Butker due to his recent controversy.
