Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has come under a great deal of fire in recent days due to statements he made during a speech at Benedictine College in Kansas. Speaking to their graduating class, Butker made direct verbal attacks on women and their place in society, Catholic Church leaders, and the LGBTQ+ community.
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In the aftermath of his speech, countless celebrities have made public statements denouncing his stances, including Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder and hip-hop artist Flavor Flav. Even the nuns who founded and sponsor Benedictine College released a statement expressing their disagreement with his claims.
What Did Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker Say That Garnered Such Backlash?
As mentioned, Butker’s comments were offensive to a wide variety of people. Specifically, his words regarding women and the “diabolical lies” they have been told about being able to find fulfillment outside of the home were especially found to be troubling:
“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.
“I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say that her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother. I’m on the stage today and able to be the man 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.”
Ironically, Butker’s own mother is an accomplished physicist who is well-respected in her field.
It should be noted that Butker was not raised in this branch of Catholicism, but converted to it after he left college.
Jason Kelce’s Wife, Kylie Kelce, Takes Veiled Shots at Kansas City Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker’s Opinions In Her Own Speech
Kylie Kelce, the spouse of Jason Kelce, formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles, and the sister-in-law of Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, spoke at the graduation ceremony at her alma mater, Cabrini University, the former field hockey player started out her speech by jokingly stating it wouldn’t be that good of a commencement because her husband did not help her write it:
“My husband, Jason Kelce, is known for giving some pretty earth-shattering speeches. He did not help me in writing my words today, so you can go ahead and lower those expectations.”
Cabrini University, which is closing its doors and selling its property to Villanova, is/was also a Catholic university.
Kelce went on to tell the class:
“I am well aware that my current position in life is due to the wonderful people around me, but I’ll be damned if I don’t stay true to myself in everything I do and ensure that I am always authentically me.
“So find the things that speak to you. Your enthusiasm can be channeled to create change, and you are wonderful the way you are.”
It is noteworthy that Kelce did not denounce women that find joy and fulfillment in choosing to be stay at home moms. Rather, she encouraged everyone to find whatever it is that brings them joy and that they should be true to themselves.
It is quite the contrast from the things that Butker said in his speech.
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