Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker delivered a commencement speech at Benedictine College in Kansas that has sparked significant controversy in the sports world due to its content, particularly Butker’s views on women’s roles.
During his speech, Butker addressed the women in the audience, challenging the modern narrative that encourages women to pursue their own careers and passions. Instead, he emphasized the importance of the role of “homemaker.”
“I want to speak directly to you [women] briefly because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you,” Butker said. “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… embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker.”
In 2024, comments like these have faced strong backlash, particularly from women in sports media. NFL Network’s Jamie Erdahl was among those who voiced their disapproval.
“The Chiefs kicker is lucky @gmfb is on hiatus. I would be asking for a few minutes tomorrow to let off some steam,” Erdahl tweeted on May 14. “And then I would return home to my rightful place with my children and husband.”
Butker’s comments about the role of women weren’t the only part of his speech that drew criticism. His advice to graduates to “do hard things” was also mocked, given his own privileged background as a kicker who attended private school and earns $5 million per year.
Butker, who hasn’t tweeted since October 2023 and hasn’t posted on Instagram since early April, has yet to publicly address the controversy surrounding his comments.
