The game-winning drive led by Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs offense has led to their conference-leading 10-1 record after Week 12. The field goal to win in regulation differed as rookie Spender Shrader stepped in for injured starter Harrison Butker.
Steadier spoke with the media during his postgame press conference on Sunday, explaining his mindset heading into the game-winning moment.
“I think the biggest emotion in that moment is gratitude and happy that I was able to go out and perform for the team. When you join an organization like the Chiefs, there’s a championship culture and a standard to uphold,” said Shrader. “For me, I just wanted to come in and do my best for the team for as long as I’m here. I was grateful to be put in this situation today and to step up and put up a couple of points up there. But, it’s a team effort at the end of the day, so I’m just really grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this team.”
The Chiefs’ final drive to put Shrader in position wasn’t a shock to the former Notre Dame standout, who is well aware of the offensive players’ talent and gusto.
“I try to prepare myself before that. You know the talent of the guys on your team, who your quarterback is, and who your offensive weapons are,” said Shrader. “So I knew I’d be getting an opportunity, so I just tried to stay calm, understand that it was going to come at some point, and when it did come, I was ready. That comes from belief in the team that they’re going to get you in that situation, and you go out there and just knock it through.”
Shrader has been perfect since signing with the team after two games and appears to fit the team’s culture and winning system.