Speaking publicly for the first time since his controversial May 11 commencement speech, Harrison Butker revealed he has faced a “shocking level of hate.” But the Kansas City Chiefs kicker said he doesn’t regret his statements, noting it may be “God’s will” that some people dislike him.
On May 24, Butker spoke at “Courage Under Fire,” a Nashville gala sponsored by the Catholic educational group Regina Caeli Academy. The athlete, an outspoken Catholic, is on the board of directors of the academy, which has hybrid campus/homeschool sites throughout America. “If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now,” Butker told gala attendees.
The kicker was addressing backlash from his speech earlier this month at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. There Butker, 28, told graduates that women should prioritize homemaking. He also criticized Pride Month and President Biden’s support of abortion, among other topics.
Harrison Butker: My Suffering Is Minor
At the gala, Harrison Butker acknowledged that his beliefs “or what people think I believe, have been the focus of countless discussions around the globe.” Initial reactions skewed toward hatred, the three-time Super Bowl champ said. “But as the days went on, even those who disagreed with my viewpoints shared their support for my freedom of religion.”
The kicker, who said he values his faith more than his football career, noted he made a conscious decision to proclaim his beliefs and doesn’t regret that “at all.” He added, “Our love for Jesus and thus our desire to speak out should never be outweighed by the longing of our fallen nature to be loved by the world.”
Keeping with the gala’s theme, Butker spoke about biblical displays of bravery. “I can’t help but tremble at the thought of the courage many saints have shown in their lives,” he said. “Would I be so bold if the repercussion was what Daniel faced in being fed to lions? In reality, any courage I’ve shown will lead to some small suffering. And it will lead to some people maybe never liking me, but that could be God’s will.”
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The Daily Wire, which “does not claim to be without bias” and describes itself as “opinionated,” “noisy,” and “having a good time,” posted part of Butker’s May 24 gala speech on social media. The caption noted it was his first public statement since causing “a liberal meltdown.” Daily Wire host Matt Walsh also spoke at Friday’s gala.
Several Chiefs players have shared thoughts about Butker’s controversial opinions. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes defended the kicker’s character, despite not necessarily agreeing with all his comments. Tight end Travis Kelce said although he doesn’t agree with “just about any” of Butker’s views, except for his love of family, he doesn’t want to judge his teammate’s religious beliefs.
