Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker delivered a commencement address at Benedictine College where he criticized Pride month, President Biden’s leadership during the pandemic, and his stance on abortion. Butker, known for his conservative Catholic beliefs, expressed his disapproval of what he called “dangerous gender ideologies” and referenced an article indicating a shift toward conservativism in the Catholic Church. He also criticized Biden’s response to the Covid pandemic and highlighted the impact of bad policies on major life issues such as abortion, IVF, surrogacy, and euthanasia.
Butker specifically addressed the women in the audience, stating that their most important role should be as a homemaker. He emphasized the significance of marriage and motherhood, sharing his wife’s experience as a wife and mother. The Chiefs declined to comment on Butker’s controversial commencement address, which touched on personal beliefs that have sparked debate among listeners. Despite his strong conservative views, Butker has proven his talent as one of the NFL’s best kickers, breaking records and playing a key role in the Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl victories.
The Kansas City Chiefs have faced challenges off the field in the offseason, including a failed ballot initiative to fund stadium upgrades and a downtown ballpark. Additionally, wide receiver Rashee Rice’s involvement in a high-speed crash that resulted in injuries and aggravated assault charges has cast a shadow on the team’s reputation. Rice allegedly left the scene of the crash without offering aid, and he is also suspected of assaulting a person at a nightclub in Dallas. These incidents have caused some negative attention for the Kansas City Chiefs and their players.
The tension surrounding Butker’s commencement address at Benedictine College reflects broader societal debates around issues such as gender, sexuality, and women’s roles. Butker’s outspoken remarks against Pride month and his criticism of President Biden’s policies have sparked discussion among those who support his conservative views and those who may disagree with his stance. The Chiefs organization has chosen not to comment on Butker’s address, allowing him to express his personal beliefs while maintaining a level of separation from the team’s official stance.
As a successful and accomplished athlete, Butker’s opinions hold weight in the public eye, influencing how his statements are received and perceived by his audience. The controversies surrounding the Kansas City Chiefs in the offseason, including the failed stadium funding initiative and Rashee Rice’s legal issues, add to the challenges facing the team as they navigate a turbulent period. Despite these setbacks, Butker’s prowess as a kicker and his contributions to the Chiefs’ success on the field remain a point of pride for the organization and its fans.
