Chiefs owner Clark Hunt's wife Tavia reserves special shoutout for Spencer Shrader for game-winning field goal
On Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs won 30-27 over the Carolina Panthers, thanks to a buzzer-beating field goal from kicker Spencer Shrader. It marked their seventh one-score win this season, keeping them atop the AFC standings for another week.
The narrow win also extended the Chiefs' streak of winning 10 games in a season to 10 years. They are only the third team in the NFL to achieve the feat after the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers.
Chiefs owner Clark Hunt's wife, Tavia, was ecstatic about the victory but was particularly proud of Shrader for showcasing immense poise, self-belief and faith in God. The kicker posted the Bible verse Philippians 4:6 on Instagram and Tavia reposted it with the caption:
"So proud of this young man for [remaining] calm under pressure and fiving God the Flory in his presser."
Spencer Shrader explains why he left the Jets for the Chiefs
Spencer Shrader has played for three teams in his rookie season in the NFL. He started the year with the Indianapolis Colts and was elevated to the active roster in Week 1 after kicker Matt Gay suffered an injury. He was a perfect 3-of-3 on his NFL debut but was demoted back to the practice roster the following week.
Two months later, the Colts released him and he signed with the New York Jets, who assigned him to their practice squad. However, the team handed him the start against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10, and he was a perfect 2-of-2 on the day in New York's 31-6 loss.
Shrader was demoted to the practice squad but chose to leave the team and join the Chiefs after Harrison Butker's knee injury. The rookie will fill in until Butker returns, then rejoin the practice squad.
During Sunday's press conference, Shrader was asked why he opted to leave the Jets, where he could have won the starting job and signed with Kansas City, who have the best kicker in the league. He said:
"I wanted to be around an elite staff, elite players, everyone is very on top of things here. ... I'm gaining value just by being a part of this place, being a part of this organization."
Shrader is seemingly content being the Chiefs' backup kicker over fighting for the chance to be the Jets' starter.