KC Chiefs' Kicker Speaks Up on Controversial Graduation Address
"It's clear that many people despise the enduring values of the Catholic church," Butker noted in a speech at the 'Courage Under Fire' event in Nashville recently.
His speech was shared on X by the right-wing media outlet, The Daily Wire.
Until this point, Butker had not publicly addressed his controversial commencement address at Benedictine College, a tiny Catholic institution in Kansas, that took place on May 11th. In his address, he remarked on subjects like Pride Month being a 'fatal error' and women's domestic achievements being superior to their academic or professional goals.
The 'Courage Under Fire' event was hosted by Regina Caeli Academy - a hybrid residential/homeschool academic institution run by Catholic schools across the United States. Other speakers at the event included Matt Walsh, a prominent figure in right-wing media.
"Over the last few days, my beliefs, or how other people perceive them, have been a main topic of countless debates worldwide," Butker, who is on the school's board of directors, stated on Friday.
Representatives from Regina Caeli Academy did not respond to CNN's request for a comment.
"To begin with, the hatred towards me was remarkable. However, even those who didn't agree with my beliefs shared their support for my religious liberty," Butker said on Friday.
Butker reiterated his dedication to the Catholic faith, stating, "Our devotion to Jesus and the impulse to let Him be heard should never be overshadowed by the yearnings of our sinful nature for worldly love."
During this speech, Butker referred to Saint Daniel, a biblical prophet who was cast into a lion's den for praying to God, ignoring a rule that imposed penalties on religious practitioners.
"I shudder at the thought of the bravery some saints have displayed throughout their lives," Butker expressed his feelings.
According to the Old Testament, Daniel was spared by God due to his unwavering faith.
"Could I have the audacity if the consequences were like what Daniel faced, being consumed by lions? In truth, any courage I show will likely result in a small amount of suffering, and perhaps some people will dislike me, though that could be part of God's will," Butker, a Chiefs kicker, expressed.
The NFL previously issued a statement, indicating that Butker's comments were not a reflection of the league's views.
Butker's May 11th address prompted criticism from GLAAD, a non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate for LGBT rights, which characterized his comments as a "misfire" and "far behind the times" in regards to Pride Month, LGBT people, and women.
The Mount St. Scholastica Order of Sisters, one of the founding institutions and sponsors of Benedictine College, also disassociated itself from Butker's message. They stated, "The sisters of Mount St. Scholastica believe that Harrison Butker's statements from his 2024 Benedictine College commencement address do not align with the Catholic, Benedictine, liberal arts college that our founders envisioned, and in which we have invested heavily. Instead of promoting unity in our church, our nation, and the world, his words seem to have been divisive."
Another prominent Chiefs player, Travis Kelce, recently responded to this commencement address, emphasizing that while he does not agree with "almost any" of Butker's beliefs, he still values him as a teammate.
"I treasured him as a teammate. I think Pat (Mahomes) expressed it well - he's a fantastic individual and a great teammate," Kelce shared on the latest episode of his 'New Heights' podcast, which he co-hosts with his brother, Jason.
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Despite the criticism he faced, Butker mentioned that he received support from individuals who may not share his beliefs, but still respect his religious freedom. As a prominent member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Butker expressed his unwavering dedication to the Catholic faith and expressed admiration for the bravery of saints like Saint Daniel who faced persecution for their faith. Additionally, some teammates, such as Travis Kelce, have shown their support for Butker despite disagreeing with his beliefs.
Source: edition.cnn.com
