NFL standout Harrison Butker has reiterated his stance after making statements at a graduation ceremony that ignited widespread debate. The kicker for the Kansas City Chiefs spoke publicly for the first time since those remarks at the Courage Under Fire gala in Nashville, Tennessee, where he showed support for a Catholic charity on Friday night.

Butker stood firm against the criticism he has faced, asserting that the backlash will not deter him from maintaining his beliefs or from remaining bold about his faith. “It’s become apparent that the eternal Catholic values I hold are not welcomed by some,” he remarked.

“In recent days, my personal beliefs, or what some perceive them to be, have become a topic of intense discussion worldwide.”
“Throughout my seven-year NFL career, I’ve grown accustomed to both praise and criticism, mostly about my on-field performance.

Yet, as could be anticipated, voicing the principles closest to me, my Catholic faith, has made me more controversial. This is a deliberate choice I’ve made, one which I have absolutely no regrets about.”

BREAKING: In first public remarks since his commencement speech sparked a liberal meltdown, Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker makes very clear he’s not backing down from his faith. @buttkicker7 pic.twitter.com/q3Vh0KpvTg

— Daily Wire (@realDailyWire) May 25, 2024

Recently, ESPN’s Sam Ponder weighed in with a powerful statement reacting to the widespread criticism following Harrison Butker’s controversial comments. Butker, who spoke at a graduation event at Benedictine College in Kansas this month, sparked national debate by suggesting that women should prioritize home life and child-rearing, leaving men to be the primary earners.

This statement quickly became a hot topic among media figures.

Harrison Butker, celebrated for winning three Super Bowls, has faced significant backlash for his viewpoints, with a petition demanding his release from the Kansas City Chiefs rapidly gathering hundreds of thousands of signatures. Despite the controversy, Butker has found notable support from figures such as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Chiefs head coach Andy Reid.

In an interesting turn of events, Butker’s jersey sales surged immediately after his speech, with his number 7 jersey becoming one of the most purchased across the league. Butker acknowledged the support he received, even from those who disagreed with him, citing it as a backing for his religious freedom.

Butker remains steadfast in his stance from the commencement speech, and it seems neither the NFL nor the Kansas City Chiefs will take disciplinary action against him. In a related note, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts also made headlines for what some interpret as a veiled critique of Butker’s comments regarding women.