Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker gave a commencement speech at Benedictine College where he referenced Pride Month in June as an example of the “deadly sins” while advocating for a more conservative form of Catholicism.
During his speech, Butker spoke for over 20 minutes to students at the Catholic school in Atchison, Kansas, expressing his desire for the graduating class to uphold their relationship with the church without interference from political leaders.
He criticized an Associated Press article on America’s Catholic Church that highlighted the shift towards traditional values, including rules at Benedictine that may seem outdated to some.
Butker’s remarks were met with criticism from GLAAD president Sarah Kate Ellis, who called them inaccurate and out of touch with the realities of Pride, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women.
Despite the controversy, Butker commended Benedictine for embracing traditional Catholic values and urged religious leaders to focus on their role in leading their communities.
In his speech, Butker also criticized President Joe Biden on various issues and questioned his commitment to Catholicism. He also shared his views on gender ideologies, stating that a woman’s primary role is that of a “homemaker.”
The NFL, although not in season during Pride Month, participates in LGBTQ+ initiatives, including hosting events like the “Night of Pride.” The Chiefs, Butker’s team, offer a Pride selection of apparel with rainbow colors.
Butker, a three-time Super Bowl champion, has had a successful career with the Chiefs since being drafted in 2017. He made 33 of 35 field goals in the 2023 season.
(Photo: Chris Unger / Getty Images)