Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, known for his outspoken religious views, has publicly voiced his support for President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Brian Burch as the next U.S. ambassador to the Vatican.
Trump recently announced Burch’s selection, citing his significant contributions to the president-elect’s campaign and his leadership in the Catholic community. As the president of CatholicVote and a father of nine, Burch has been a prominent figure in Catholic advocacy, earning praise from Trump, who described him as someone who “loves his Church and the United States” and would “make us all proud.”
Butker shared his endorsement of the appointment on social media, expressing enthusiasm for Burch’s new role.
“Very happy to hear that @BrianBurchCV has been selected to be the next Ambassador to the Vatican,” Butker wrote. “Brian has been a leading voice in the Catholic community here in America through his organization (CatholicVote), and now in his new role, he can take those gifts to Rome. Pray for him and his family as they embark on this new journey.”
Butker also shared a photo of himself with Burch, appearing to have been taken at Arrowhead Stadium, further underscoring their connection.
A Polarizing Figure
Butker’s vocal stance on religious and cultural issues has made him a divisive figure in recent years. Earlier this year, the Chiefs kicker faced backlash for his commencement speech at Benedictine College, a private Catholic liberal arts college in Kansas.
During the 20-minute speech, Butker urged men to “fight against the cultural emasculation” and suggested that women are “most excited” about marriage and raising children. Critics labeled his remarks “bigoted” and “misogynistic,” sparking heated debate.
Despite the criticism, Butker stood by his comments and has remained unwavering in his public expressions of faith.
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A History of Controversy
Butker’s outspoken nature has also extended into the political arena. He attended the Chiefs’ White House visit earlier this year despite being a vocal critic of President Joe Biden, particularly regarding his stance on abortion. During his Benedictine College address, Butker accused Biden of being “delusional” and “supporting the murder of innocent babies.”
The kicker’s alignment with Trump’s nomination of Burch reflects his commitment to his faith and his willingness to engage in public discourse around religion and politics.
Trump’s Praise for Burch
President-elect Trump highlighted Burch’s qualifications in his announcement, emphasizing his role in galvanizing Catholic voters during the 2024 election.
“Brian is a devout Catholic, a father of nine, and president of CatholicVote,” Trump said. “He has received numerous awards and demonstrated exceptional leadership, helping build one of the largest Catholic advocacy groups in the country.”
Trump also credited Burch with playing a pivotal role in his victory over Kamala Harris, stating, “He represented me well during the last election, having garnered more Catholic votes than any presidential candidate in history.”
Moving Forward
As Trump prepares to return to the Oval Office, Burch’s appointment marks a significant nod to the Catholic community, signaling an administration likely to focus heavily on faith-based initiatives.
For Butker, his endorsement of Burch underscores his ongoing commitment to intertwining his faith with his platform as a professional athlete. While his public statements have sparked controversy, they have also solidified his reputation as one of the NFL’s most vocal advocates for his beliefs.
Burch’s journey to Rome will undoubtedly draw further attention, with figures like Butker lending their support and prayers for his success.
