Dallas Cowboys star Brett Maher continues to see his kicking ability questioned, and now even the governor of Texas has claimed he could match him on current form.
After missing a record four extra points against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, Maher missed yet another kick against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. It's been a brutal week for Maher as his confidence has been completely shot, and now even a member of the Texan government has given his views.
Maher missed only three kicks during the regular season for the Cowboys, but has fallen apart in the play-offs and the franchise may be looking for a new kicker. And the governor has claimed he could do Maher's job, in a harsh statement.
The Cowboys are a huge part of the culture in Texas, meaning that everyone is invested in their success. It's been a stressful week following uncertainty over Maher, and frustrations have continued after he missed another kick.
Abbott was clearly unimpressed, but stunned Texas locals as he tweeted: "I swear, I can kick as good as the Dallas Cowboys kicker." It's a bold claim by the 65-year-old, who was appointed governor in 2015.
But after Abbott's tweet, Maher made the next two kicks against the 49ers, as he proved his mental strength. It's been a tough period for Maher, and kickers aren't used to being the centre of attention. With the 49ers boasting one of the best kickers in Robbie Gould, his task was even more daunting on Sunday.
Gould has never missed a postseason kick, making all 65 he's ever attempted. Maher would love to restart the play-off campaign if he had the chance, but will have to try recover from here.
Maher still appears to be a popular figure in the Cowboys dressing room, as quarterback Dak Prescott defended him after they beat the Buccaneers 31-14. "Yeah I mean, I'm money Maher's biggest fan," Prescott said.
"I talked to him individually after the game and just told him to let that go, we're gonna need it. I just played like s*** a week ago so that happens.
"Knowing what that guy's done, with his resiliency he's shown throughout his career, personally there's not doubt he will come back."
