Harrison Butker, one of the NFL’s premier kickers and a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs, had his start at Georgia Tech, where he donned the iconic No. 87 jersey. Butker’s time at Georgia Tech laid the foundation for his successful professional career, showcasing not just his powerful leg but also his consistent accuracy. This article delves into Butker’s journey at Georgia Tech, his jersey’s significance, and how his college career helped shape him into the kicker he is today.
Early Days: Harrison Butker’s Road to Georgia Tech
Harrison Butker’s journey to becoming one of the NFL’s best kickers began long before he set foot on the Georgia Institute of Technology’s campus. Born in Decatur, Georgia, Butker showed an early aptitude for soccer, a sport that would later influence his kicking skills on the football field. Attending Westminster Schools in Atlanta, Butker wasn’t initially set on football. In fact, it wasn’t until his high school days when his soccer coach suggested he try kicking for the football team that Butker started to explore the sport seriously.
This pivotal moment marked the beginning of Butker’s transition from the soccer pitch to the football field, and it didn’t take long for him to make his mark. He quickly became one of the top high school kickers in Georgia, known for his range and precision. His strong leg and ability to handle pressure situations earned him attention from various college programs, but it was Georgia Tech, located in the heart of Atlanta, that would become his home.
The Decision to Attend Georgia Tech
Choosing Georgia Tech was a natural fit for Butker. Not only did the school offer a strong academic program, but it also provided him the opportunity to play Division I football in the ACC, one of the most competitive conferences in college football.
As Butker himself has mentioned in interviews, the chance to stay close to home while pursuing a world-class education and competing at the highest level of college football was too good to pass up. The support of family, friends, and familiar surroundings also played a key role in his decision to stay in Georgia.
Butker’s decision paid off, as he quickly became the starting kicker for the Yellow Jackets, sporting the No. 87 jersey. That jersey, while not traditionally worn by kickers, became synonymous with Butker’s consistency and reliability. Fans began to recognize that No. 87 was more than just a number; it was a symbol of precision under pressure.
The Georgia Tech Years: Building a Strong Reputation
From 2013 to 2016, Butker played a crucial role for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, setting several records along the way. As a freshman, Butker was thrust into the spotlight, immediately handling kickoff duties and field goals. Despite the challenges of transitioning to the college game, Butker maintained a level of poise and maturity that would become his trademark.
One of Butker’s standout moments at Georgia Tech came during his sophomore year when he made a clutch 53-yard field goal in the 2014 Orange Bowl, helping the Yellow Jackets defeat Mississippi State 49-34. This kick not only demonstrated Butker’s long-range ability but also solidified his reputation as a player who could come through in high-pressure moments.
Over his college career, Butker continued to improve, finishing his time at Georgia Tech as the all-time leading scorer with 337 points. His field goal percentage consistently ranked among the best in the ACC, and he became known for his ability to handle both short- and long-range kicks with precision. Whether it was a game-winning field goal or a routine extra point, Butker was the epitome of consistency during his time in Atlanta.
The Significance of Butker’s No. 87 Jersey
While it’s rare for kickers to wear numbers in the 80s, Harrison Butker made the No. 87 jersey his own during his time at Georgia Tech. Typically, numbers in the 80s are reserved for wide receivers or tight ends, but Butker’s choice of jersey number added an extra layer of uniqueness to his collegiate career.
For Butker, the number carried personal significance. The No. 87 represented a nod to his soccer roots while also standing out on the football field. Throughout his four years at Georgia Tech, Butker wore the jersey with pride, and it became a part of his identity as a player. Fans and teammates alike began to associate the number with Butker’s incredible kicking talent, and it became a symbol of his dedication to the team and the game.
Records and Achievements at Georgia Tech
Harrison Butker’s legacy at Georgia Tech isn’t just about the kicks he made or the games he helped win. It’s also about the records he set and the impact he had on the program. During his time with the Yellow Jackets, Butker set several school records, including:
- All-time leading scorer with 337 points
- Most field goals made in a single season (23)
- Highest career field goal percentage, consistently ranking among the top kickers in the ACC
- A career-long field goal of 53 yards, which highlighted his range and power.
Butker’s consistency was a key factor in many of Georgia Tech’s victories during his time with the team. Whether it was nailing a last-second field goal or booming a kickoff deep into the end zone, Butker was a reliable presence on special teams.
Leadership and Character: More Than Just a Kicker
One of the things that set Harrison Butker apart during his time at Georgia Tech was his leadership and character both on and off the field. Teammates often spoke about Butker’s work ethic and his commitment to improving every day. While kickers often operate in the background, Butker took on a leadership role within the team, offering support and guidance to younger players.
Off the field, Butker was just as dedicated to his studies and personal development. He balanced the demands of being a student-athlete with his commitment to community service and his involvement in various campus organizations. His ability to excel in both academics and athletics earned him the respect of coaches, teammates, and fans alike.
Transition to the NFL: A Seamless Move to the Pros
Harrison Butker’s success at Georgia Tech didn’t go unnoticed by NFL scouts, and in 2017, he was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the seventh round. While his time with the Panthers was short-lived, it wasn’t long before Butker found a new home with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Since joining the Chiefs, Butker has continued to showcase the skills he honed at Georgia Tech, becoming one of the most accurate and reliable kickers in the NFL. He’s played a crucial role in the Chiefs’ recent success, including their Super Bowl victory in 2020. His ability to perform in high-pressure situations, a trait he developed during his time in college, has been a key factor in his professional career.
Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Harrison Butker’s Georgia Tech Jersey
Harrison Butker’s time at Georgia Tech will always be remembered by fans and the football community. His No. 87 jersey, once an unconventional choice for a kicker, became a symbol of excellence, consistency, and leadership. The records he set and the kicks he made will stand the test of time, and his legacy as one of Georgia Tech’s greatest kickers is firmly cemented.
As Butker continues to thrive in the NFL, Georgia Tech fans can take pride in knowing that they played a pivotal role in shaping the career of one of football’s top kickers. From his early days as a soccer player to his time wearing the Yellow Jackets’ No. 87, Harrison Butker’s journey is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence.