NFL Distances Itself from Player’s Controversial Graduation Speech

Kansas City Chiefs Catholic kicker Harrison Butker gave an impassioned speech to graduates at a Catholic University—Benedictine College—and the public has come out on all sides regarding Butker’s comments on President Biden’s leadership, LGBTQ issues, roles of men and women, abortion, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, the National Football League (NFL) has issued a statement reiterating its commitment to diversity and inclusion and distancing the organization from Butker’s remarks.

NFL’s Official Response

The NFL response was swift. The spokesperson for the NFL stated that Butker’s speech was given in a personal capacity and not as a representative of the NFL. The Spokesperson emphasized that the NFL does not share Butker’s views and is focused on inclusion and diversity.

Comments on Women

One of the more commented-on topics in Butker’s address was his claim that many of the female graduates were likely more excited and fulfilled by the prospect of marriage and motherhood than by pursuing careers.

Isabelle Butker as Example

He emphasized the importance of these roles and used his wife, Isabelle, as an example of a fulfilled woman who “would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and mother.”

Message Resonated With Audience

The audience at the Catholic university clapped for 18 seconds, according to a speech transcript.

Critique of Catholic Leaders

Butker also accused some Catholic leaders of promoting “dangerous gender ideologies” to youth in America. He pointed to President Biden, also a professed Catholic who supports abortion, and Anthony Fauci, Catholic, as the “man behind the COVID lockdowns,” as poor examples of the Catholic faith.

Audience Reaction

The students in attendance at Benedictine College seemingly approved the commencement speech and responded with a standing ovation. Despite public outrage from some quarters, Butker’s views resonated with the graduates and visitors at the event.

Stance on Pride Month

In addition to stating his opposition to gender ideologies being presented to children, Butker spoke out against Pride month, leading to much debate and outrage on the internet. Butker stated that Benedictine College had “…excitement and pride. Not the deadly sin sort of pride with an entire month dedicated to it, but the true God-centered pride…”

Criticism of President Biden

While Butker did not name President Biden in his speech, he referred to him as part of a larger critique of the current political climate of the left. Butker said of Biden, “Our nation is led by a man who publicly and proudly proclaims his Catholic faith, but at the same time is delusional enough to make the Sign of the Cross during a pro-abortion rally. He has been so vocal in his support for the murder of innocent babies that I’m sure to many people it appears that you can be both Catholic and pro-choice.”

Role of Women

Butker suggested that women’s primary fulfillment comes from roles as wives and mothers. He cited his wife Isabelle as an example, praising her role as a homemaker. He said of Isabelle, “I have seen firsthand how much happier someone can be when they disregard the outside noise and move closer and closer to God’s will in their life.

Isabelle’s dream of having a career might not have come true, but if you asked her today if she regrets her decision, she would laugh out loud, without hesitation, and say, “Heck, No.”

Petition to Dismiss Butker from Chiefs

Critics of Butker’s messages circulated a petition on change.org titled “Demand the Kansas City Chiefs To Dismiss Harrison Butker for Discriminatory Remarks,” which, as of Thursday, had over 80,000 signatures.

Petition Criticizing Butker

The petition stated, “These dehumanizing remarks against LGBTQ+ individuals, attacks on abortion rights, and racial discrimination perpetuate division and undermine human rights.”

City Manager Disowns Butker Not Representing Kansas City

A Former city commissioner from Kansas City took to social media to post, “Harrison Butker doesn’t represent Kansas City, nor has he ever. Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members.”

Speech Resonance or Dissonance Depends on Who Is Listening

Butker’s speech seemed to resonate with the intended audience—male and female graduates of a Catholic university and their guests. Outside that population, Butker’s remarks have generated significant backlash, forcing the NFL to distance itself from Butker’s remarks.

Professional Achievements

Butker is one of the top kickers in the NFL and has won three Super Bowl games. He holds a 62-yard field goal record within the Chiefs’ franchise.

Historical Context

Butker helped the Chiefs win their first Super Bowl in 50 years in 2020 and kicked the game-winning field goal in their next Super Bowl victory.