Harrison Butker took center stage at the “Courage Under Fire Gala” held at Regina Caeli Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, addressing the controversy sparked by his recent commencement speech at Benedictine College. Firm in his stance, he stood by his words and acknowledged the extensive debate they had sparked worldwide.
“At the outset, I faced a wave of negativity,” remarked the Kansas City Chiefs kicker on Friday evening. “But with time, even those who disagreed with me showed support for my right to practice my religion freely.”
Butker’s speech at Benedictine College had stirred up contention as he expressed views against Pride Month, the COVID-19 pandemic, transgender individuals, and made statements minimizing the societal role of women.
During his speech, Butker stated, “I firmly believe that women have been misled by egregious falsehoods. While some may pursue successful careers, I believe the majority derive greatest fulfillment from marriage and family.”
In response, Butker’s Chiefs teammates Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce voiced their disagreement with his remarks but reaffirmed their strong bond with him. Coach Andy Reid emphasized the importance of respecting differing opinions within the team, noting Butker’s forthcoming participation in celebrating the team’s Super Bowl 58 victory at the White House.
Acknowledging his visibility as an NFL kicker, Butker highlighted that openly discussing his Catholic faith has polarized opinions.
“It’s a conscious choice I’ve made, and I stand by it firmly,” affirmed Butker.
As a board member of Regina Caeli, Butker underscored the significance of the gala’s theme, “Courage Under Fire,” given recent events. He expressed hope that the event’s theme and Regina Caeli’s mission would inspire others to boldly uphold their Catholic faith and advocate for truth, regardless of opposition.
“In the face of criticism and distortion, maintaining unwavering convictions is akin to confronting a lion’s den,” concluded Butker.