Sports

Harrison Butker’s Bizarre Leg Buckle Leads To Historic Miss After Major Tweak To His Technique

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Harrison Butker Knee Buckle Form Missed Field Goal
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Harrison Butker is one of the best kickers in the NFL. However, the 29-year-old Kansas City Chiefs specialist made a slight change to his technique prior to or during the 2024 season that continues to be a cause for concern.

He missed a kick on Sunday that he, quite literally, never missed before.

Butker was placed on injured reserve on Nov. 15. A left knee injury required him to undergo arthroscopic surgery to trim down his meniscus. Prior to that point, he made 18 of 20 attempts and only missed from beyond 50 yards.

Although his numbers were not problematic, the knee issue obviously was. And it seemingly stems from a minor tweak to Butker’s form.

Before we go any further, lets take a look at the past. Pay close attention to Butker’s left leg on this 62-yard field goal from 2022. Notice how it stays planted upright throughout the entire kick. His knee barely bends at all and never touches the ground.

That is no longer the case. Butker collapsed onto his left knee during his follow-through on every single kick this season— make or miss. Take a look at this kick from September:

Here is a better example from later in the season:

The reason for the change is unclear. Harrison Butker has not addressed the new approach, which likely caused the issue with his meniscus.

Prior to Sunday, he had not missed a single field goal from 29 yards out or less during his entire 55-game career over eight NFL seasons. Butker was a perfect 69-69 (nice) on field goals ranging from 20 to 29 yards.

“Prior to Sunday” are the key words there. His first kick back from IR was the first miss of life from inside 30 yards. CBS play-by-play announcer Ian Eagle pointed out that he once again buckled his knee.

Harrison Butker needs to get it figured out ASAP. Fortunately, his miss on Sunday was against the Cleveland Browns so it doesn’t matter. A similar miss could prove costly down the road.