The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Butker ‘optimistic’ going into NFL draft
Jackets kicker’s long journey might turn down a new road.
It’s unbelievable to think that in one week, I’ll be one step closer to accomplishing something I never could have dreamed of, making it to the NFL.
On Monday, Jan. 30, I had just finished an evening kicking workout when I checked my email and saw the official invite to the NFL combine. It was an incredible moment, as I realized I’d have the opportunity to show all 32 NFL teams what I’m capable of. Looking back, it was pretty surreal. I knew it was going to be the biggest opportunity of my life.
Now, with the NFL draft near, I think back to when I was younger. Growing up in Decatur, my earliest memories of playing football were in elementary school during recess. I was one of the biggest kids in my grade, so I loved playing wide receiver. I’d tell the quarterback to just chuck it up as high and far as he could and I’d go get it, which little did I know would be a sign of things to come.
Beginning middle school, I was a hopeful sixth-grader trying out as a wide receiver on a team that mostly ran the ball. I was barely involved. I later fell in love with the game of soccer. My dad played soccer at Berry College and my mom at Smith College, where they both played all four years.
When I was young, I’d kick the ball around with my dad at my sister’s soccer games. He always said I was born with a naturally big leg and he talked about my kicking talent from a young age. Going pro in soccer eventually became my dream. I wanted to play in the Premier League in England one day.
As I focused on soccer throughout middle school, I’d see the football team practicing. I remember watching the other kids kicking and punting, thinking I could probably be pretty good at it, but at the time my focus was on soccer and basketball.
Once I got to high school, I immediately started on the soccer team and honed my craft on the basketball court. The football coach at the time heard I had a decent leg, so he asked me to kick for him. He seemed impressed and asked me to go out for football. So, as a sophomore in high school I officially restarted my football career, this time as a kicker.
My 10th grade year I only did kickoffs, as we had an upperclassman who handled the field goals. Shortly after, I went to a local kicking camp and finished as the top performer in my class.
It was a very humbling but gratifying experience.
Performing well at the kicking camp lit a fire inside of me to focus heavily on kicking. I continued to push myself to get better by watching film and improving my technique.
At that moment, I knew I had a future in kicking and shifted all of my energy to football. I kept working hard and junior year I did field goals, kickoffs and punts. During my junior season, I ended up going 16 for 17 on field goals, with my only miss coming from 59 yards.
After that season, I went to Kohl’s Kicking Camp and was ranked second in the country. Following that camp, Georgia Tech started to heavily recruit me. I was just excited to have an opportunity to continue my kicking career at the collegiate level and play for my hometown team.
To backtrack a little, when I was a kid, my dad was a big college football fan. He cheered for the Georgia Bulldogs. My mom was a fan of Georgia Tech, where she earned her master’s degree. To fuel that friendly in-home rivalry, my mom gave me a black and gold Tech sweatshirt that I wore every day.
I had so much fun watching Jarrett Jack and the Georgia Tech basketball team back in 2004 at the age of 9. It was amazing watching them make it all the way to the national championship game. That was the year I fell in love with Georgia Tech and started to become a fan of the football team with Reggie Ball at QB. I also enjoyed watching another Atlanta quarterback, Michael Vick. He was on the cover of Madden 2004 and was remarkable to watch.
So, I ultimately accepted Georgia Tech’s scholarship offer. It worked out perfectly to play for the team I loved growing up. Coach Paul Johnson and the Tech family welcomed me with open arms and gave me an opportunity to show what I could do on the field.
In my four years, we had some great memories. I still remember freshman year playing Duke and lining up for a 49-yarder for my first career field goal. I often think about the two wins against our rival Georgia. Those are two of my most memorable games in my college career.
In fact, my mom is currently growing the hedge from this past season to plant in the yard soon. Another one of my favorite traditions at Tech was seeing the fans on fan day. I remember a guy telling me that besides the day his son was born, my kick against Georgia was the best moment of his life.
During my college career, I was very fortunate to become the all-time leading scorer for Georgia Tech, something I never would have imagined. It was such a great honor to share with my teammates, coaches and fans, and something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
It’s hard to believe that just a few months ago, I played my last college football game. We ended on a high note, beating Kentucky in the TaxSlayer Bowl, where I ended my career with what I consider my best game as a kicker. It was such a great thing for the fans, my family and everyone who has supported Tech and myself, to end on such a high note.
Now, here we are, less than a week away from the NFL draft. It’s been an amazing experience working out for various NFL teams.
A lot has happened in these past six years of my kicking career. I feel like I’m just starting to scratch the surface, and there’s no limit to where kicking can take me. Although not many kickers get selected, I’m optimistic going into draft weekend.
There’s a level of excitement leading up to the draft, but after this weekend, I’m just ready to get to work for the team that brings me in.
And just like that ball thrown to me when I was a receiver as a kid, high and far up, the opportunity is in right front of me. I just have to go get it.