Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker launched a 69-yard field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday, a kick that absolutely blew minds even if the official record books won’t acknowledge it. This wasn’t some routine kick, folks, this was a display of raw power and precision that had everyone, including his own teammates, absolutely buzzing.
That Boot From the Forty-Nine
Picture this: the final seconds of the first half, clock ticking down. Kansas City just got the ball at their own 49-yard line following a turnover on downs by Tampa Bay. It’s a long shot, right? A Hail Mary attempt just to put some points on the board. Butker steps up, lines it up, and absolutely crushes the ball. It sailed through the center of the uprights as time expired, a perfect, clean strike from practically midfield. You could almost feel the energy burst from the field. His teammates, including star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, didn’t hesitate; they immediately swarmed Butker to congratulate him on the monster kick. It was a highlight reel moment, giving the Chiefs a 9-0 lead heading into the break, in a game where neither squad had managed to find the end zone otherwise.
The Record That Wasn’t, and the Kickers Who Own It
Here’s where it gets wild: that 69-yard bomb actually surpassed the NFL record for the longest field goal, which stands at 68 yards. That official record was set by Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little last season, a second-year player who nailed his 68-yarder last November, also in the final seconds of a first half. So Butker’s kick, on paper, went one yard further. But there’s a huge catch: the NFL does not include preseason stats in these kinds of official records. Total bummer, right? To make things even crazier, Butker’s incredible 69-yarder *still* technically fell short of the unofficial record, which was also set by Little! The Jaguars kicker hammered a mind-boggling 70-yarder in the preseason last year. So, for now, Cam Little officially holds the two longest field goals in NFL history, with that 68-yarder from November and a 67-yarder he hit in January. Butker’s kick might not be in the history books, but everyone who saw it knows what kind of leg he’s got.
A Day of Booms and Bounces
While Butker’s colossal field goal was undoubtedly the play of the day, his performance wasn’t without its ups and downs. After his heroics to end the first half with a 9-0 lead, both teams eventually found their offensive rhythm in the third quarter. Kansas City got their score off a short rush from Emmett Johnson. But, in a twist that shows even the biggest legs have their moments, Butker unfortunately missed the extra point after Johnson’s touchdown. It was a stark reminder that while the raw power is undeniably there, football is a game of consistency, play after play. Even without the official record, Butker showed he can uncork a kick that simply defies belief. Keep an eye on that leg, because if he can do it in the preseason, who knows what kind of fireworks he’s got waiting for the official games.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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