Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has cemented his status as the NFL’s most accurate kicker – all while sitting on the sidelines! The star kicker hasn’t played in weeks due to knee surgery, but he still managed to climb to the top of the leaderboard in an incredible twist of fate.
Butker, who has been out since mid-November, underwent a successful procedure and has been on injured reserve ever since. While he’s not exactly taking a “vacation,” he’s been absent for three consecutive games and isn’t expected back for at least two more. Yet, when it comes to accuracy, Butker now reigns supreme among NFL kickers.
The rise of Butker
Heading into this past weekend, Butker trailed only Baltimore Ravens legend Justin Tucker and Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Pineiro on the all-time accuracy list. However, an astonishing series of missed kicks by both players sent Butker soaring to the top without even lacing up his cleats.
Before the action began, Pineiro led with an 89.74% success rate, Tucker sat at 89.37%, and Butker followed closely with 89.21%. But Pineiro missed two crucial field goals against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, dropping him to third, while Tucker shockingly shanked two attempts in the Ravens’ clash with the Eagles. By the end of Sunday, the leaderboard read: Butker at 89.21%, Tucker at 89.03%, and Pineiro at 88.52%. It’s a rare moment in sports where the top spot is claimed by someone who hasn’t seen the field in weeks.
Heading into Week 13, Eddy Pineiro was most accurate kicker in NFL history.
• Pineiro missed 2 FGs in 1st half, giving title to Justin Tucker.
• Tucker missed 2 FGs in 3rd quarter vs. PHI, giving title to Harrison Butker.
• Butker now most accurate kicker in NFL history pic.twitter.com/RF6ZxE4myT— John Breech (@johnbreech) December 2, 2024
Harrison has not lost his spirit
Fans have been eagerly following Butker’s recovery, with the kicker sharing updates on social media. “Surgery went great! Thank you for the prayers,” he posted a couple of weeks ago, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support.
The Chiefs expect him to return in Week 15 for a crucial matchup against the Cleveland Browns. For now, Harrison Butker remains the ultimate flex: a player so good, he’s the best in the league without even playing.
#Panthers K Eddy Pineiro is currently the most accurate field goal kicker in NFL history (min. 100 attempts).
1. Eddy Pineiro – 89.4%
2. Justin Tucker – 89.3%
3. Harrison Butker – 89.2%
4. Daniel Carlson – 88.2%
5. Chris Boswell – 88.1% pic.twitter.com/rMD3y2IEKA— Kicker Update (@kickerupdate) November 20, 2024
