(TheProudRepublic.com) – Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker stated that he does not regret discussing his beliefs after the widespread response to his viral May 11 commencement address at Benedictine College.
Making his first public comments since the speech, Butker attended the Regina Caeli Academy’s “Courage Under Fire Gala” in Nashville, where he serves as a board member.
He began by expressing gratitude to the guests before addressing the gala’s theme, “Courage Under Fire,” which he noted had been decided months earlier.
Butker stated, “If it wasn’t clear that the timeless Catholic values are hated by many, it is now. Over the past few days, my beliefs — or what people think I believe — have been the focus of countless discussions around the globe. At the outset, many people expressed a shocking level of hate.”
He continued by highlighting the disparity between facing criticism in the NFL versus now and emphasized his commitment to his faith:
“But as the days went on, even those who disagreed with my viewpoints shared their support for my freedom of religion… But, as to be expected, the more I’ve talked about what I value most, — which is my Catholic faith — the more polarizing I have become. It’s a decision I’ve consciously made and one I do not regret at all.”
He also expressed gratitude for his support and acknowledged that the backlash he faced paled in comparison to the courage exhibited by many saints throughout history.
During Butker’s commencement speech at Benedictine College, his remarks about “homemakers” received applause but also drew criticism. A petition calling Butker “sexist, homophobic, anti-trans, anti-abortion, and racist” garnered over 100,000 signatures on Change.org.
Travis Kelce, a Chiefs tight end, defended Butker’s right to express his opinions, though he may not share them. Meanwhile, Jason Kelce, his brother and a former Philadelphia Eagles center, responded with humor.
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