The NFL is distancing itself from remarks made by Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker during a commencement address at Benedictine College in Kansas. Butker's speech, which included controversial comments about women's roles, the LGBTQ community, and President Biden's stance on abortion, has sparked significant backlash.
In his address, Butker encouraged female graduates to embrace the role of homemakers, emphasizing what he described as "most important titles of all" as a Catholic. He praised his wife for her dedication to this vocation, crediting her support for his own success.
Butker's speech also touched on Pride Month, which he criticized, and condemned President Biden's pro-choice stance on abortion, calling it "delusional." He criticized prominent figures, including those behind COVID-19 lockdowns and proponents of gender ideologies, for being Catholic but not adhering to what he views as true Catholic values.
"He has been so vocal in his support for the murder of innocent babies that I’m sure to many people it appears that you can be both Catholic and pro-choice," he said, via OutKick.
"He is not alone. From the man behind the COVID lockdowns, to the people pushing dangerous gender ideologies onto the youth of America, they all have a glaring thing in common — they are Catholic. This is an important reminder that being Catholic alone doesn’t cut it."
The NFL clarified that Butker's views are personal and do not reflect those of the organization. Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, reiterated the league’s commitment to inclusion, stating, "The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger."
The Kansas City Chiefs have not commented on Butker’s speech. Butker, who joined the Chiefs in 2017 after being drafted by the Carolina Panthers, has been with the team for 107 games and is a three-time Super Bowl champion.