Harrison Butker showed no remorse on Friday night in his first public appearance since giving his Benedectine University commencement speech.
The Kansas City Chiefs kicker appeared at the Regina Kaeli Academy’s Courage Under Fire Gala in Nashville on Friday.
“Through a classical education taught in the light of the Catholic tradition, we encourage our students to strive for excellence not only in their academics but also in virtuous living, self-control and responsibility,” the academy said. According to the company’s website. Butker has served on the academy’s board of directors since last year.
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Kansas City Chiefs placekicker Harrison Butker (No. 7) celebrates after kicking a field goal in the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on November 26, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 31-17. (Candice Ward/Getty Images)
Mr Butker took to the stage at the gala to rapturous applause and then delivered another speech in which he doubled down on his beliefs and comments despite facing harsh criticism.
“The theme of tonight’s celebration, ‘Courage Under Fire,’ was chosen months ago, but after witnessing the events of the last two weeks, it feels like divine providence that this theme was chosen,” Butker said. “If it wasn’t clear before, it is now clear that timeless Catholic values are frowned upon by many.”
Butker said he understands he has become a “more polarizing” figure the more he speaks publicly about his beliefs, but he has never cared what people think of him.
“Our love for Jesus and our desire to speak out must never be overtaken by our fallen nature’s desire to be loved by the world. No matter what opposition or support we face, glorifying God and not ourselves should always be our motivation. I will look to those closest to me for guidance, but I must never forget that it is Jesus Christ, not people, that I am trying to please.”
Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker (number 7) warms up before Super Bowl 55 against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium on February 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
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Butker said he was “humbled” by the support he’s received, adding that all the backlash he’s received doesn’t compare to “the courage shown by so many saints in their lives.”
“When I constantly remind myself of the sufferings that the saints went through, especially the persecuted martyrs, everything seems not so bad. If heaven is our goal, we should embrace our cross, big or small, and live joyfully to be bold witnesses for Christ,” Butker said.
“I hope tonight’s theme and the mission of the RCA will inspire many people to be unashamed of their Catholic faith and not afraid to speak their truth even when it goes against the loudest voices. After all, courage starts with small things. Being hated and misunderstood by some is nothing compared to finding yourself in the lion’s den.”
At the commencement, Butker urged the female graduates to embrace being “housewives” and criticized the LGBTQ community and President Biden’s stance on abortion.
“Abortion, IVF, surrogacy, euthanasia and growing support for corrupt cultural values and media all result from the spread of disorder,” Bhatkar added in his speech.
Kansas City Chiefs’ Harrison Butker speaks to the media during the opening game of Super Bowl 55 at Allegiant Stadium ahead of Super Bowl 55 on February 5, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Robin Alam/ISI Photos/Getty Images)
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Buttker jersey sales It has skyrocketed since then While many in the media are divided on the speech, the NFL Shop is not saying the same.
Butker played in his third Super Bowl with Kansas City this year, helping them win back-to-back championships in February.
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