Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker was one of the most talked about players of the entire 2024 NFL offseason. This was due, of course, to a controversial commencement speech he gave at Benedictine College back in May. The comments he made during this address reflected his traditional Catholic faith but offended many groups of people in American society.
Butker’s comments drew a great deal of backlash, with celebrities and fans taking to social media to denounce and criticize what he said. Based on posts by fans on social media before the game even started, his words are still remembered and still not forgiven (not that he has asked for it).
Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker Made Controversial Comments Regarding Women and the LGBTQ+ Community
As mentioned, Butker’s speech was offensive to many different people, but his comments regarding women and the LGBTQ+ community have garnered the most attention and backlash.
Of women, and their role in society, Butker said:
“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. 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.”
These comments, in particular, were a hot topic on various daytime talk shows and podcasts in the days and weeks that followed his address. Even tennis star Serena Williams called him out for what he said during her presentation at the ESPY’s.
Of the LGBTQ+ community, Butker said:
“I am certain the reporters at the AP could not have imagined that their attempt to rebuke and embarrass places and people like those here at Benedictine wouldn’t be met with anger, but instead met with excitement and pride. Not the deadly sin sort of pride that has an entire month dedicated to it, but the true God-centered pride that is cooperating with the Holy Ghost to glorify him.”
These comments, too, have not been forgotten by the general public, as was evident before the game against the Ravens even started.
Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker Gets Dragged on Social Media Before Game vs the Baltimore Ravens
The game was delayed for several minutes due to rain and lightning in the area. As clouds cleared, a rainbow could be seen in the sky.
Fans were quick to use the photo of the rainbow to ridicule Butker:
Harrison Butker just fell to his knees https://t.co/OJ6nV3cfnW
— Tyler (@TylerHerrick) September 6, 2024
Harrison Butker-DNP(rainbow) https://t.co/WvdQ2SocLb
— Tori J. (@torijacobs) September 6, 2024
Dont let Harrison Butker see this
— Jon (@Jibithehippie) September 5, 2024
Once the game was cleared to start, fans poked fun at what Butker said regarding women due to both of the pre-game singers being women:
Harrison Butker seeing a woman sing the national anthem pic.twitter.com/HwMJHkb9iT
— Derrick Henry FRAUDCHECK SZN (@ClevelandGod) September 6, 2024
harrison butker when he’s forced to stand on the field and listen to “lift every voice and sing” pic.twitter.com/1PaW26omps
— FBS Independents Fan 🥥🌴 (@LilBonaX) September 6, 2024
Harrison Butker during lift every voice & sing pic.twitter.com/fKsd7SpyPE
— Ya BM’s Fav DJ (@DJTMAXdaKiD) September 6, 2024
If these posts have indicated anything, it is that what Butker said will continue to follow him for as long as the Chiefs are relevant, which should be for a long time.
Not that he cares.
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