Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker defended his remarks in a college commencement speech, saying they have fostered conversations among teammates and made the team closer.
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has stood firm behind his controversial remarks made earlier this year during a college commencement speech, claiming they have had a positive impact on his team.
Butker's comments at Benedictine College, where he advocated for the term "homemaker" and criticized President Joe Biden's stance on abortion, drew criticism and blunt remarks from tennis star Serena Williams at the ESPY Awards.
Chiefs' Butker Defends Commencement Speech, Says It Strengthens Team
Despite the backlash, Butker remains resolute in his beliefs.
"I'm going to stand behind what it is I'm saying," Butker told reporters Wednesday. "I kind of look at the offseason as a little bit of a maybe five-month period where I can just represent me as Harrison Butker as a faithful Catholic. And then, obviously, when it gets to the season, I try to focus as much as I can on football and not being a distraction for the Chiefs."
Chiefs' Butker Defends Commencement Speech, Says It Strengthens Team
Butker disclosed that he has discussed his speech with his teammates.
"Yeah, and I will say, I feel like this team is so close," he said. "Ever since that speech, there have been tons of conversations in the locker room with guys just connecting and trying to understand each other. I think it’s been a beautiful thing to see, and I think that’s what’s so special about sports and what’s so special about football."
Chiefs' Butker Defends Commencement Speech, Says It Strengthens Team
Butker emphasized the unique nature of football as a sport that brings together individuals with diverse beliefs, all striving for a common goal.
"There’s not many sports where you have 50 to 100 guys with a bunch of different beliefs, and we’re all fighting together to win," he said. "You have a bunch of different personalities (and) a bunch of different backgrounds, and we’re all there together trying to understand each other and realize that at the end of the day, we have one goal together, and that’s to win football games."
Amidst the controversy, Butker and the Chiefs have agreed on a four-year contract extension, reportedly making him the highest-paid kicker in NFL history.
Butker emphasized that while his off-season remarks may have sparked conversations, he remains focused on football during the season.
"And then, obviously, when it gets to the season, I try to focus as much as I can on football and not being a distraction for the Chiefs," he said.
Butker's stance has been met with varying reactions, showcasing the diversity of perspectives within the Chiefs organization.
"I think it’s been a beautiful thing to see, and I think that’s what’s so special about sports and what’s so special about football," he said of the conversations sparked by his speech.
Ultimately, Butker believes his remarks have strengthened the team's bonds and fostered a sense of understanding among the players.
"I think it’s been a beautiful thing to see, and I think that’s what’s so special about sports and what’s so special about football," he said.
