Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has spoken out and declared his aim is to 'please' Jesus Christ amidst the backlash from his speech at Benedictine College's graduation ceremony.
The NFL star made headlines earlier in May with a fiery anti-abortion address, where he also criticised President Joe Biden for what he sees as contradictory positions on LGBTQ issues and abortion. A devout Catholic, Butker faced mixed reactions after suggesting women should embrace being 'homemakers', a view that the NFL has since distanced itself from.
Butker stepped back into the limelight on Friday evening at the 'Courage Under Fire Gala' in Nashville, where he was met with thunderous applause. He reiterated the significance of his controversial remarks, despite the criticism he's received.
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Speaking at the gala, Butker remarked: "The theme for tonight's gala, Courage Under Fire, was decided many months ago, but it now feels providential that this would be the theme after what we have all witnessed these last two weeks. If it wasn't clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now.
"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. Glorifying God and not ourselves should always remain our motivation despite any pushback, or even support. I lean on those closest to me for guidance, but I can never forget that it is not people, but Jesus Christ who I'm trying to please."
Butker then appeared to compare himself to a 'saint', adding: "If I constantly remind myself of the hardships the saints went through, especially the martyrs in their persecution, it makes it all seem not so bad. For if Heaven is our goal, we should embrace our cross, however large or small it may be, and live our life with joy to be a bold witness to Christ.
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"My hope is tonight's theme and RCA's mission will embolden others that many more will be unapologetic of their Catholic faith and never be afraid to speak out for truth, even when it goes against the loudest voices. In the end, being courageous starts with the small things. Being disliked and mischaracterized by some is nothing compared to finding yourself in a lion's den."
Ever since Butker's explosive speech criticising 'tyranny' of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, his jersey has flown off the shelves, becoming the top seller on NFL Shop. The media is divided over his remarks, but teammates Travis Kelce and Patrick Mahomes, along with Chiefs coach Andy Reid, have shown support, though Kelce clarified he doesn't share Butker's views.
NFL boss Roger Goodell emphasised the league's inclusive stance. In a statement, he wrote: "Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity. His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger."
Butker has become a legend for the Chiefs, nailing the decisive field goal in the 2023 AFC Championship Game against the Bengals and slotting four field goals, including a record-breaking 57-yarder, in their nail-biting Super Bowl win over the 49ers in February.
