Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has recently reiterated his controversial stance on traditional gender roles, drawing parallels between himself and Saint Daniel in the process.
During a 20-minute speech last Saturday at a Catholic private liberal arts college in Kansas, Butker expressed his views that men should resist “cultural emasculation” and that women should embrace roles as “homemakers” rather than pursue professional careers.
Butker defended these views more robustly on Friday night during an event at Regina Caeli Academy in Nashville, Tennessee. He reflected on the global reaction to his statements, noting that while initially he faced significant backlash, over time, even those who disagreed with him showed support for his right to religious freedom.
“As the discussions about my faith have grown, so too has the polarization of my public image,” Butker remarked, adding that he does not regret his decisions and is focused on pleasing Jesus Christ, not people. He compared his experiences to those of historical saints, considering his challenges minor compared to their sacrifices. “If heaven is our goal, we should joyfully embrace our crosses, big or small, and live boldly for Christ,” he said.
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Butker, who has been vocal about his Catholic faith, also mentioned that his wife Isabelle found her true purpose after embracing her roles as a wife and mother following her conversion to Catholicism.
His comments have sparked widespread debate and a petition demanding his release from the Chiefs and the NFL, which has garnered over 220,000 signatures.
Teammate Travis Kelce recently spoke out, saying while he doesn’t agree with Butker’s views, he respects him as a teammate and a person, emphasizing that differing backgrounds and beliefs should not be grounds for judgment.
Kelce shared his appreciation for the diverse perspectives he encountered growing up in Cleveland Heights, highlighting the value of various life experiences.
Despite the controversy, Butker remains a key player for the Chiefs, having set franchise records and contributed to their recent Super Bowl victories.
