Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones has never been shy about speaking his mind, and after Sunday night's thrilling 33-30 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts, he made it crystal clear where he stands on the ongoing criticism of his kicker, Harrison Butker.
Butker, who has been a cornerstone of the Chiefs' success, had a slightly rougher 2023 season by his lofty standards. Yet through the first two games of this campaign, he's already 5-for-6, including a clutch performance on Sunday that helped seal the win. Jones, however, wasn't about to let the naysayers off the hook.
"Y'all as a whole doubted my kicker last year and I just got two middle fingers to y'all," Jones said, via Mark Poulose. "I love [Butker] and I trust in [Butker] and I think [Butker] is the best kicker in the league and I'm gonna continue to support my kicker."
Jones didn't stop there, offering a philosophical defense of his teammate. "Listen, nobody is perfect, even though we want [Butker] to make them all. Sometimes you're not— that's just the cycle of life," he explained. "And that's where adversity comes in, and that's why I support [Butker], because he stands tall every time and he faces it like a man. Two middle fingers to anyone who doubts my kicker."
The Chiefs' three Super Bowl titles during the Andy Reid era have been built on the right leg of Butker, and his reliability in high-pressure moments has been a key ingredient. While the offense has looked explosive and dynamic early this season, having a dependable kicker remains crucial in tight playoff games.
Jones's fiery defense comes amid a week of heightened scrutiny for the team, with fans buzzing about Taylor Swift's ring flash during the overtime thriller and controversial officiating calls drawing widespread criticism. But for Jones, the focus is squarely on backing his teammate.
Butker's ability to bounce back from a shaky stretch has not gone unnoticed in the locker room. His 5-of-6 start, including a decisive field goal in overtime, has silenced some doubters, but Jones is making sure the message is loud and clear: don't mess with his kicker.
As the Chiefs look to make another deep playoff run, the bond between players and their special teams unit will be vital. With Jones leading the charge in support, Butker can focus on what he does best—splitting the uprights when it matters most.
