Super Bowl Champion Harrison Butker Sparks Debate with Controversial Commencement Speech

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In a recent ceremony at Benedictine College in Kansas, distinguished Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs kicker, Harrison Butker delivered a challenging commencement speech. Notably known for his strong conservative Catholic principles, Butker congratulated the female graduates, provocatively suggesting that their primary anticipation was probably settling down in marriage and motherhood.

The notable sports figure didn’t shy away from making audacious statements. Among them was his contention that certain Catholic leaders were instilling harmful gender ideologies into the minds of the American youth. Drawing considerable attention, Butker also used his platform to challenge the tenets of Pride Month, a crucial period for the LGBTQ+ rights movement, and question the standpoints of President Joe Biden on abortion.


Butker addressed the women present explicitly, asserting, “You’ve had the most diabolical lies told to you.” He suggested, “Many of you may embark on prosperous careers, but I suspect that the majority of you are eagerly awaiting marriage and parenthood.” He shared that his wife Isabelle considers her life to have truly begun when she embraced her roles as a wife and mother.

With the title ‘homemaker’ being a contentious topic, Butker argued that his wife proudly claimed it as one of the most crucial roles. He further criticised a recent Associated Press article, which he suggested tarnished the image of the Catholic Church by highlighting a rising conservative shift.

After his challenging 20-minute speech at the private Catholic liberal arts school north of Kansas City, the three-time Super Bowl champion received a standing ovation. However, his comments received mixed reviews from the graduates. ValerieAnne Volpe, who graduated with an art degree, applauded Butker for expressing thoughts most are scared to articulate, saying, “You can just hear that he loves his wife. You can hear that he loves his family.”

In contrast, Elle Wilbers, a medical school aspirant, found Butker’s reproach of church leaders and his comments regarding the LGBTQ+ community shocking and distasteful. Future law student Kassidy Neuner added to the discussion, saying that being a stay-at-home parent is a wonderful choice but not for everybody.

Butker not only addressed the societal and political issues but also President Biden’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in his speech. He suggested that while the pandemic had significantly impacted the graduating class, the primary challenges amassed from poor leadership decisions concerning major societal issues such as abortion, euthanasia, and a growing acceptance for damaging cultural values.

Butker, who has been instrumental in the victory of the Chiefs in various Super Bowls, largely remains an influential figure. Yet, the Kansas City Chiefs chose not to comment on his contentious commencement speech. Nevertheless, more than his football accomplishments, it’s Butker’s recent unfiltered rhetoric that seems to be stealing the limelight. Amidst the ensuing controversy, it is clear that the 28-year-old sportsman is unafraid to voice his beliefs, however polemical they may be.