Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker is ready to go for the 2024 NFL season, after an eventful offseason.
Butker, one of the best kickers in the league, went viral earlier this summer, when he spoke at the commencement ceremony of Benedictine College in Missouri. Butker's controversial comments toward the women in the audience sparked national headlines.
“I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you,” Butker said. “Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world. I can tell you that my beautiful wife Isabelle would be the first to say her life truly started when she started living her vocation as a wife and as a mother.”
Butker took heat from many for his comments, but he's choosing to stand by them.
LAS VEGAS, NV - FEBRUARY 11: Harrison Butker #7 of the Kansas City Chiefs warms up prior to Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, NV. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Perry Knotts/Getty Images
Over the weekend, Butker took to social media, with a simple message for his "enemies," quoting Winston Churchill.
“You have enemies? Good. That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life.”
Butker has made it clear that he believes people should say what they truly believe.
"I've always been encouraged by people that state their opinions and they're very bold in what they believe," Butker earlier this month. "I think that brings people closer … We're living in a better world if people are open, and they're not afraid to share their viewpoints.
"I just decided there are things that I believe wholeheartedly that are going to make this place a better place, and I'm going to preach that. And if people don't agree, they don't agree, but I'm going to continue to say what I believe to be true and love everyone along the way."
Butker's teammates, including Patrick Mahomes, seem to have his back, even if they don't agree with his comments.
“I don’t talk to Harrison all year long, man. I just let him do his thing,” Mahomes said. "We sit right beside each other in team meetings and I don't say one word to him. Only before the season and after the season - that's the only time I talk to him."
The Chiefs are scheduled to open the 2024 season on Thursday, Sept. 5 against the Ravens. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. E.T. on NBC.
