Butker ‘prepared’ for pressure of playing in front of President

Harrison Butker’s field goal proved decisive in Super Bowl 57 two years ago, giving the Kansas City Chiefs a 38-35 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

With Donald Trump confirmed as a guest for the rematch this Sunday, BBC Sport asked the Chiefs kicker what it will be like playing in front of the US president knowing that the game could again come down to one of his kicks.

“It’s exciting,” said Butker. “I remember the first Super Bowl I played in, I saw all these celebrities – Jay Z and Beyonce on the sideline, David Beckham up in the stands.

“You know all of these celebrities watch the game on TV but – at least to my knowledge – they’re not at Arrowhead Stadium watching our game. To see them in person is pretty cool, and to know that President Trump is going to be there is an honour, and I’m looking forward to playing in front of him.

“I try to make practice as pressure-packed as possible. I think that gives me a lot of confidence going into the game, knowing that I’ve practiced it over and over.

“Even though President Trump and different celebrities will physically be at the game, I know they’re watching on TV normally so once the game starts for the Super Bowl, you have to forget about that and focus on what you can control.

“You can’t worry about the people that are watching because that’s not going to help you have success on the field.”