NFL Kicker Harrison Butker’s Commencement Speech Bashes LGBT+ Community

Kansas City Chiefs kicker, Harrison Butker, “unapologetically” shares his views that seem to bash LGBT+ community and women’s rights in the name of “traditional values” at his commencement speech at Benedictine College.

Though it may be a bit niche, it’s easy to suggest that when many people think of a football kicker their minds might drift to Kurt from “Glee” performing Beyoncé’s “All the Single Ladies” with flair before making a perfect score. However, events on May 11 have provided a new image for NFL kickers: Harrison Butker. 

Butker recently performed a commencement speech for Benedictine College’s graduating class of 2024. During said speech he wished the class pride and excitement, but had to clarify he was absolutely not referring to “the Deadly Sins sort of pride that has a whole month dedicated to it.” 

While these are juxtaposing images of a football kicker, it’s worth noting that Butker wore a cheetah print tie during his speech—maybe there’s some overlap in the Venn diagram after all. 

Known for his authentic and unapologetic Catholic faith, Butker included his opinions on abortion, IVF, and euthanasia within the first five minutes of his speech. Which may be a record? Anyhow, starting his speech with his polarizing, Catholic-centered beliefs, certainly set the tone for the continuation of his speech.

Butker really tackled gender roles. He believes there is a cultural emasculation plaguing the nation and urged the men in the graduating class to fight against it. This might sound ironic considering the NFL is a bunch of burly men groping and tackling each other for a living.

But hey, whatever makes him feel like he’s countering cultural emasculation, right?

On a more heartwarming note, Butker urged men to take a greater role in their home life. At first glance, this suggestion seems sweet—especially since many Americans can’t claim their father was really in their life at all. However, his argument fixated on his belief that men set the tone of culture, and when that order is absent, disorder, dysfunction, and chaos set in.

When addressing the women in the graduating class, Butker proclaimed that women have been told the most diabolical lies. While noting that many were eagerly anticipating their careers, he suggested the majority were most excited about marriage and having children. 

He shared a personal anecdote, claiming his wife felt she only really started her life after getting married and having babies. However, they are high school sweethearts, so did her life ever even have a chance to start?

To say Butker’s speech was polarizing would be an understatement. Some in the audience likely found his words inspiring and affirming, while others might have found them offensive and exclusionary. This begs the question, what was the point?

In essence, a commencement speech should uplift and bring people together. Ideally, recognizing the diverse paths that each graduate will take and celebrate their individual journeys. By delivering a speech rooted in contentious and divisive viewpoints, Butker undermined the unity and joy that should characterize such an occasion. His remarks, while reflective of his personal beliefs, were ultimately inappropriate for a setting meant to honor and inspire all graduates, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.

The commencement speech has been rejected by the NFL (an organization that has had openly gay players for years). Jonathan Beane, NFL senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, says, “His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger.”

Additionally, nun associated with the college have denounced his speech, saying his words do not align with what “our founders envisioned and in which we have been so invested.”

So here’s to the class of 2024! Whether you’re ready to change the world or just figuring out the next step, remember, it’s your journey. And if nothing else, you’ve got a graduation speech you’ll never forget.

Featured image by courtesy of Pixabay.