Kansas City Chiefs Sign Rookie Kicker Spencer Shrader Amid Player Injuries

The Kansas City Chiefs found themselves in a predicament leading up to their Week 11 match against the Buffalo Bills due to the injury of their veteran kicker, Harrison Butker. Consequently, the Chiefs signed rookie Spencer Shrader, a decision that special teams coordinator Dave Toub elaborated upon during a press briefing on Thursday.

«Every year, we rate all the kickers coming out. A lot like Butker, Spencer was our number one guy coming out; we had him number one on our list,» Toub stated. «We liked him early, and when he was on the practice squad, we decided to bring him in. We’re happy we got him. He’s got a strong leg.»

Shrader, who has been with multiple teams since going undrafted in April, had brief stints with the Indianapolis Colts and New York Jets. He was signed from their practice squad last week. Although Shrader did not attempt a field goal in the Week 11 game, he successfully converted his extra-point attempts.

Originally aspiring to play professional soccer, Shrader’s athletic journey took him from semi-pro soccer in Brazil and Canada to college football. He walked on as a kicker at the University of South Florida and later joined another collegiate team as a graduate transfer for the 2023 season.

The Chiefs, with a forward-looking approach, consistently assess rookie placekickers each offseason. Regarding Shrader, Toub noted his impressive consistency and leg strength. «You’re looking at the consistency of his technique, the rotation of the ball, the leg strength,» said Toub. Shrader has already demonstrated these skills by hitting multiple 65-yard field goals during practice.

Upon Butker’s injury, the Chiefs quickly contacted Shrader, who was then with the Jets. «I got a message from my agent saying, ‘Hey, call me immediately,’” Shrader recounted. Shrader made the decision to join the Chiefs after consulting with his family, aware that his time with the team has an expiration date.

During his first practice with the Chiefs, Shrader said he relied on the professionalism of his teammates for assurance. «These guys are so good, and they’re so professional. There’s never a doubt that the ball is going to be where it’s supposed to be,» Shrader stated.

Despite knowing that his tenure with the Chiefs might be temporary, Shrader is embracing the opportunity. «I’m definitely grateful for this opportunity, but not so overwhelmed. I have a job to do,» Shrader remarked.

He views each day as a chance to prove himself without being distracted by uncertainty about the future. «I just want to come in and do the best I can for this team with the time that I have,» Shrader mentioned. «Tomorrow’s not guaranteed, so I just focus on maximizing each day.»