Chiefs star kicker Harrison Butker credits ‘prayer on the sidelines’ for mental fortitude

Kansas City Chiefs star kicker Harrison Butker works hard at his game. 

The seven-year veteran holds the record for all-time field goals in a Super Bowl with nine, four of which came in the Chiefs’ thrilling overtime victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl LVIII in February, a game that included his record-setting 57-yarder. 

But practice and dedication aren’t the only things Butker credits for his success. It’s his faith as well. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

During an appearance at the 2024 Stronger Men's Conference in Springfield, Missouri, Butker discussed his career and faith with Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo. He spoke at length about the mental aspect of the game and how he relies on prayer to keep him grounded in high-pressure situations. 

"I’ve had to take myself away from the ups and downs of the game, and really prayer on the sidelines has really helped me so much to detach and realize that, yes, football is important. Yes, I’m on the biggest stage – there’s millions of people watching, but I am a child of God, No. 1.

The Chiefs entered this year’s Super Bowl in an unusual way – they were largely considered the underdogs despite their usual success in the playoffs. Canceling the outside noise and focusing on his faith was something Butkey relied on.  

CHIEFS' HARRISON BUTKER CALLS SUPER BOWL PARADE SHOOTING 'DEGENERATIVE VIOLENCE,' CALLS ON MEN TO STEP UP

"I’m a child of God. I need to care about what Jesus thinks of me more than anyone else. How am I as a husband, and how am I as a father? And when you think about that it really takes away a lot of the pressure that the world can bring, that that stage can bring. And that’s also probably been a big reason for my successes.