Harrison Butker’s commencement speech: What did the Chiefs kicker say at Benedectine College?

Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker was invited to give a commencement address at Benedictine College at the weekend, although leaders at the Catholic private liberal arts school in Atchison, Kansas may have been left regretting their choice of speaker after the NFL star’s controversial comments on women and the LGBTQ community.

Butker takes aim at Pride month

Butker, who has previously spoken of his conservative Catholic beliefs, began his discourse by ranting at “dangerous gender ideologies,” an apparent reference to Pride month, which he described as “the deadly sins sort of Pride that has an entire month dedicated to it”. The Chiefs player instead stated his preference for “the true God-centered pride that is cooperating with the holy ghost to glorify him.”

The 28-year-old speech then moved on to his views of the role of women in society, which has been described as “antiquated” by more than one commenter on social media.

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What did Butker say about the role of women in society?

“I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolic lies told to you. Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.

Butker added, “I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and a mother. I’m on this stage, and able to be the man I am, because I have a wife who leans into her vocation.

“I’m beyond blessed with the many talents god has given me,” he continued, “but it cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife, and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.”

Have the Chiefs reacted to Butker’s comments?

The Chiefs have, until now, refused to comment on Butker’s words, although it’s hard to imagine a team that has had several women executive vice presidents and celebrates Women’s History Month will be hugely impressed.

Former Kansas City commissioner Justice Horn did, however, make his feelings clear of Butker’s opinions.

“Harrison Butker doesn’t represent Kansas City nor has he ever. Kansas City has always been a place that welcomes, affirms, and embraces our LGBTQ+ community members,” Horn posted on platform X.