Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is unwavering in his stance months after his contentious commencement speech at Benedictine College drew significant criticism.
In May, Butker delivered a 20-minute address that many labeled as “misogynistic.” He voiced opposition to IVF, Pride Month, and what he called the “diabolical lies” about women’s career success. The NFL quickly distanced itself, stating that Butker’s views did not reflect the organization’s positions. The speech sparked reactions from Serena Williams, Quinta Brunson, and Venus Williams at the 2024 ESPYs, where they highlighted women's sports.
Despite the backlash, Butker remains resolute. Speaking to reporters at a Chiefs training camp on August 7, he emphasized his commitment to his beliefs.
“I’ve been in the league now seven years and I do have a platform,” Butker said. “So with that comes people that want me to state what I believe to be very important.”
He added, “I’m going to stand behind what it is I’m saying. I kind of look at the offseason as a little bit of a maybe five-month period where I can just represent me as Harrison Butker, as a faithful Catholic. And then obviously when it gets to the season, I try to focus as much as I can on football and not being a distraction for the Chiefs.”
Butker revealed he has had discussions with teammates about his divisive beliefs.
“It’s been a beautiful thing to see,” the kicker noted. “That’s what’s so special about sports and so special about football. There aren’t many sports where you have 50 to 100 guys with a bunch of different beliefs and we’re all fighting together to win. So you have a bunch of different personalities, a bunch of different backgrounds, and we’re all there together trying to understand each other and realize that, at the end of the day, we have one goal together — and that’s to win football games.”
Butker expressed appreciation for his teammates' support after his speech went viral.
“I want people to know that no matter what I say — it might be the complete opposite of you — I’m still going to love you no matter what your opinions are, no matter how different we may be. I’m going to love you and we’re going to get along and probably be good friends,” Butker added.
Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were among those who defended Butker's character.
Mahomes remarked, “I know Harrison. I’ve known him for seven years and I judge him by the character that he shows every single day and that’s a good person. That’s someone who cares about the people around him, cares about his family and wants to make a good impact in society.”
While Mahomes didn't “necessarily agree” with all of Butker’s views, he emphasized understanding and respect for differing opinions.
Kelce shared a similar sentiment on his “New Heights” podcast, praising Butker as a great person and teammate.
“He’s treated family and family that I’ve introduced to him with nothing but respect and kindness. And that’s how he treats everyone,” Kelce said. “When it comes down to his views and what he said at Saint Benedict’s commencement speech, those are his. I can’t say I agree with the majority of it or just about any of it outside of just him loving his family and his kids. And I don’t think that I should judge him by his views, especially his religious views, of how to go about life, that’s just not who I am.”
Despite the controversy, the Kansas City Chiefs have stood by Butker. NBC News reported on August 5 that Butker agreed to a contract extension making him the highest-paid kicker in the league. The contract, reportedly worth $25.6 million over four years with $17.75 million guaranteed, secures his position with the Chiefs through 2028.