Harrison Butker, the kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, had no regrets about his contentious graduating speech at Benedictine College.
Butker’s statements to the graduating class of the Catholic liberal arts college in May garnered media attention. In his speech, he attacked Pride Month, IVF, and the most heinous lies that women grads had been taught. He also speculated that most female students were most thrilled about getting married and starting a family.
As he and his teammates get ready to play the Philadelphia Eagles in the 2025 Super Bowl, Butker is responding to his controversial remarks once more, nearly a year after he said them.
Butker and other players traveled to New Orleans, the site of the Super Bowl, for a media gathering a few days prior to the game at Caesars Superdome. The 29-year-old discussed the criticism he has had for his positions over the past year as he fielded questions from various media.
Butker told the Associated Press, “It was surprising because I’d been saying similar things for many years now and it’s funny what stuff gets picked up.” I said what I said. I think it’s real. There is nothing for which I feel compelled to apologize.
“I feel like God has prepared me for that moment to feel confident in who I am and what’s most important in my life, and I’m able to handle whatever comes my way,” he continued.
According to the AP, Butker was also asked by a journalist, “What do you think about gays?”
“I know it’s a great evening and we’re here to concentrate on the game,” he said. Perhaps we might have a wonderful talk if I encountered him without a camera.
After his statement went viral, Butker’s comments were ridiculed and rejected by other athletes, including Serena Williams, a group of nuns from Benedictine College, the Los Angeles Chargers, and numerous more. He remarked, “There’s been a lot that’s gone on and I never expected to be this known, I guess, as a kicker,” in reference to the increased attention he received.
Butker had already responded to the criticism in August, before the season began.
Butker told reporters at a Chiefs training camp, “I have a platform and I’ve been in the league for seven years.” As a result, there are many who want me to say what I think is crucial.
He delivered his speech with unwavering conviction. What I say will be supported by my actions. “As a devout Catholic, I kind of view the offseason as a little bit of a five-month period where I can just represent myself as Harrison Butker,” he said. Naturally, when the season arrives, I make every effort to concentrate on football and avoid distracting the Chiefs.
Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, teammates, also reacted to Butker’s statement from the previous year.
“I recognize Harrison,” Mahomes said. I’ve known him for seven years, and I evaluate him based on his consistent display of good character. That person aspires to have a positive influence on society and cares about his family and the people around him.
He went on to say that he didn’t necessarily share Butker’s opinions.
I treasure him as a teammate, Kelce stated in a May episode of his New Heights podcast. Pat summed it up best when he noted that he is an excellent teammate and a wonderful person. He has only shown politeness and respect to his family and the family I have introduced to him. And he treats everyone that way. His opinions and the things he spoke during Saint Benedict’s graduating address are his own. Other than his love for his family and children, I can’t say I agree with most of it or even just about any of it. Furthermore, I don’t think I should condemn him based on his beliefs about how to live, particularly his religious beliefs; that’s just not who I am.
The NFL clarified in a statement that Butker’s views did not align with the league’s values.
The NFL as a whole does not share his opinions. Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, stated in a statement that the NFL is unwavering in its commitment to inclusiveness, which only strengthens our league.
Beane also mentioned that Butker spoke in his own right.