Harrison Butker breaks silence on viral speech, says he seeks to please Jesus, not the world

May 27, 2024

Kansas City Chiefs place-kicker Harrison Butker has spoken publicly for the first time since his commencement remarks at Benedictine College on May 11.

The Christian Post reports that Butker isn’t backing down from his remarks which touched on hot button topics such as women, abortion, LGBT issues and parenting. The NFL star said his is “unapologetic” despite having been subjected to a “shocking level of hate” since his remarks went viral.

Butker spoke at the Courage Under Fire gala in Nashville, Tennessee in support of the Regina Coeli Academy which offers a classical homeschool hybrid model for pre-K through 12th grade.

In his remarks, Butker noted that the theme of the gala was chosen long before the current controversy over his commencement speech.

Butker stated: “The theme of tonight’s gala — Courage Under Fire — was decided many months ago, but it now feels providential that this would be the theme after what we have all witnessed these past few weeks. If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now.”

Butker has become more vocal about his faith over the years and made it clear that pleasing God is his highest priority, adding, “Glorifying God and not ourselves should always remain our motivation despite any pushback or even support. I lean on those closest to me for guidance. But I can never forget that it is not people but Jesus Christ who I am trying to please.”

While some of Butker’s critics have launched a petition for the NFL to release him, his teammates and coach have expressed admiration and support for Butker, even if they may not fully agree with him.

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