Harrison Butker, the kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs, delivered a commencement address at Benedictine College, where he discussed a range of topics including what he described as “bad” COVID-19 policies and his views on abortion. Despite facing criticism for his conservative Catholic beliefs, demand for Butker’s Chiefs jersey has surged, with his jersey being among the most popular fan gear on NFL.com. Butker has been vocal about his beliefs, advocating for traditional values such as marriage and starting a family.
During his speech, Butker emphasized the importance of embracing traditional values, urging women to focus on marriage and motherhood as the ultimate goals in life. He shared personal anecdotes about his own marriage and the impact it has had on his success as a football player. The NFL released a statement distancing itself from Butker’s remarks, clarifying that his views are his own and not reflective of the league’s stance on issues such as abortion and family values.
Butker’s speech at Benedictine College echoed a similar message he delivered at Georgia Tech, where he encouraged the Class of 2023 to prioritize starting a family as a way to combat societal issues. Despite facing backlash for his conservative beliefs, Butker has continued to stand firm in his convictions and share his message with the public. His jersey sales have seen a significant increase, making him one of the top-selling players on NFL.com.
The NFL emphasized its commitment to inclusion and diversity in response to Butker’s speech, stating that he spoke in his personal capacity and that his views do not represent the organization as a whole. Butker’s outspokenness on traditional values and his conservative Catholic beliefs have sparked controversy and debate, but he remains steadfast in his convictions and continues to advocate for what he believes to be important values in society.
Butker’s success as a player, a member of three Super Bowl-winning teams, and his consistent high field goal percentage have solidified his position as a key player for the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite facing criticism for his views, Butker has remained unapologetic in his beliefs and continues to use his platform to share his message with others. His speech at Benedictine College has sparked conversation and debate, highlighting the intersection of sports, religion, and social issues in the public sphere.
