Remember November ’24? The Bills handed the Chiefs a frustrating regular-season loss in Buffalo, but there was more brewing under the surface during the build-up to that game. Former NFL punter Drew Butler was very noisy (loud and clear), calling out Harrison Butker’s new kicking technique, saying, “It is a change in his technique that really caught my attention, and unfortunately, it’s not surprising his left knee needs a meniscus procedure.” Ouch.

Turns out, that wasn’t just talk. A meniscus issue sidelined Butker, forcing him to undergo arthroscopic surgery and land on IR. Fast forward to this year’s AFC Championship build-up, and Butker’s breaking down how he’s bounced back—and how he’s keeping that injury from haunting him.

So, what’s the deal with this new technique everyone keeps talking about? Butker set the record straight: “I didn’t have pain in the knee from kicking with that form. Some people have said that form caused it, but I started using it for the entire 2023 season, and that was my best season.” In other words, it wasn’t the technique that caused the knee trouble, even though it’s been a hot topic.

You see, Butker was money in 2023—33-of-35 on field goals (a cool 94.3%) and a perfect 38-for-38 on extra points, racking up 137 points. But then came 2024, and the kicks didn’t land quite the same. He went 21-of-25 on field goals (84%) and missed two extra points, finishing with 92 points. The drop-off was noticeable. However, the numbers don’t do justice to the reality.

And get this—he’s not alone. Butker spilled that at least two other kickers told him they’ve dealt with similar issues. Apparently, the torque on a kicker’s plant leg is no joke. So, how did he recover?… Post-surgery, Butker faced a steep learning curve, and at first, it wasn’t looking great.

“When I first started practicing after the surgery, I wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to do that,” he admitted. Without full knee flexion, Butker initially tried to adjust, even reverting to his pre-ankle-injury kicking style. But then came the real test: live practice. As soon as the pressure ramped up, muscle memory kicked in. “I was immediately falling down again,” he said. Falling down might sound bad, but for Butker, it’s part of what makes his technique effective under pressure.

That pressure-tested style has been his bread and butter in clutch situations. “When I get in that pressure situation, I just go back to falling down,” Butker explained. And let’s be real—pressure kicks are what define careers for NFL kickers. Whether it’s game-winners or high-stakes playoff moments, Butker’s ability to deliver under the spotlight is what the Chiefs need most as they chase another Lombardi.

As the Chiefs gear up for another showdown with Buffalo, this time with an AFC title on the line, Butker isn’t just kicking—he’s proving resilience is part of the job description. From surgery to stepping back into the heat of competition, he’s embraced every hurdle, torque and all. As for KC? It can hope this can help them lock in on that 3-peat…

Channeling Kelce: Harrison Butker’s moment to shine

When it comes to high-pressure games, nobody owns the spotlight quite like Travis Kelce. Seven straight AFC Championship appearances? That’s a masterclass in consistency. So, what’s his advice for Sunday’s showdown against the Bills? “Don’t let the lights blind you,” Kelce shared. “It’s a big moment, but you’re good enough. You don’t got to be anybody that you’re not.” Simple, yet golden advice.

Now, could Harrison Butker take a page from Kelce’s playbook?

Butker, a postseason points machine, has nailed 35 of 39 field goals and 64 of 67 extra points in playoff action, tallying a whopping 169 points across 20 games. The man thrives when it matters most. And in last week’s divisional game against the Texans, he showed why he’s built for these moments. His 32-yard first-quarter kick didn’t just get the scoreboard ticking; it broke a tie with Gary Anderson for the fourth-most postseason field goals in NFL history. Yeah, he etched his name in the NFL lore in style.

Butker wasn’t done. He followed up with two more field goals—36 and 27 yards—bringing his total to 35 playoff field goals. Not bad for a guy who battled through knee surgery mid-season. And let’s be honest, that knee doesn’t seem to be holding him back anymore.

“Working through it, and he’ll be fine,” Andy Reid said ahead of the divisional clash. “He’s a hard worker, a perfectionist. He’s getting better every day.” That’s high praise from Big Red, and so far, Butker’s proving him right.

With 11 points last Saturday, Butker surpassed Mason Crosby for the fourth-most postseason points in NFL history. Just seven more, and he leapfrogs David Akers for third place. Talk about clutch. Uff, it’s all lining up perfectly for him to be the guy in yet another title showdown for KC. In simple words: the script is yours to fudge, Butker.