NFL officials clearly were no fans of a commencement address given by Kansas Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker at a private college in Kansas. Butker reportedly encouraged females graduates to embrace their role as a "homemaker," criticized the LGBTQ community and President Biden's stance on abortion along the way.
The NFL reacted quickly, saying that Butker's opinions are his own.
"Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity," Jonathan Beane, the NFL's senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, told People. "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."
Butker received plenty of backlash from more than just the comments. But here's the thing — he doesn't care. His beliefs are his beliefs and there's nothing illegal about them. You may not like them, but another thing is that not everyone thinks the same and has the same view of the world — for better or for worse.
Butker is Catholic.
"For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives," he said at the commencement. "I want to speak directly to you briefly, because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you.
"How many of you are sitting here now, about to cross this stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.
"I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother. I'm on this stage today and able to be the man that I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation. I'm beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker."
Butker also blasted Pride Month, calling it a "deadly sin sort of pride that has a month dedicated to it."
The Chiefs have not commented.
