Though the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 to win the AFC Championship on Sunday, the contest appeared headed for overtime with less than a minute to go.
Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker — after a season of struggles with inconsistency and injury — gave the Chiefs their three-point margin of victory with a 45-yard field goal. Only three seconds remained for Butker’s ensuing kickoff.
For the sixth-year pro — who missed six field goals, three extra point attempts and four games on the season — it was a moment of vindication.